National Defence committee  At Veterans Affairs and it'll be the same thing here at CF, the first thing is that everything we do has to be evidence-based, because we need the conversation to be around the issue and not the collection of data. The second big change we made when we were at Veterans Affairs was a collaborative approach, and I'll give you an example.

National Defence committee  It'll be on a case-by-case basis. I think one of the issues we have to deal with is that there needs to be consequences for such action. There also needs to be an opportunity so that the person is not revictimized every time they encounter something along those lines. If someone were being moved from one post to another before they were ready, before they needed to go, we could engage at that level.

National Defence committee  I'm a firm believer that most solutions we look for come from education. I think it's got to start at the front line. I think it's a part of the recruitment process. It's part of the training process throughout the life of a military career. I believe the senior chain of command in the department is taking a strong stance, and I'm glad to see they're moving forward aggressively, but I believe it's communication, education.

National Defence committee  Right now, I'm not sure.

National Defence committee  I joke. Having been at Veterans Affairs I saw the tail end of what happened when soldiers came out ill and injured, and sometimes the struggle they had getting the services and benefits they desired and needed. Looking back at this organization, I believe there is a large gap in communication and education.

National Defence committee  I hate to say I'm copying everything I did before, but it's a program that worked. My vision is easy. I would like to see this office looked upon as a centre of excellence. When people want to know how something works, or get educated or informed on something, I would like for us to be one of the first choices.

National Defence committee  I was at Veterans Affairs.

National Defence committee  As we've said to both the chain of command and the minister's office, we are prepared to help. I believe the ombudsman's office brings a level of impartiality to any investigation. We have resources on the ground. We could be of great assistance. I understand that the terms of reference for this committee are being created as we speak and again we have shown we are ready to help as required.

National Defence committee  Good morning, Mr. Chair.

National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, committee, good morning. Thank you for inviting me here this morning. As you know, I am new to the job or the role of the ombudsman for the Canadian Forces and Department of National Defence. The transition from my previous role as deputy veterans ombudsman has been a relatively smooth one, and I've had a number of occasions to meet with the senior leadership within the department.

National Defence committee  It depended on the circumstances of the case. I think one of them is still ongoing. In the other one some assistance was given to the individual, some medical attention they were looking for.

National Defence committee  I'm aware of a couple of cases.