National Defence committee  We have to make the wisest choice for where we're going to direct our resources to get the best results. The strategy and action plan for suicide that VAC and DND have produced lists a lot of good ideas but no tangible metrics. If we look at the Israel Defense Forces and what t

National Defence committee  It needs to be developed much more. There are different levels of mental health first aid. It comes in a one-day session or a multi-day session. It's learning how to recognize certain disorders or behaviours, and then how to deal with that individual to get them off the ledge or

National Defence committee  The members need to get it, but families need to be aware of it. First, they need to be able to recognize it and help the member, the partner or the dad. Second, they need direction on where to direct them or who to call when a member needs help that the family can't provide or d

National Defence committee  It's to get the leaders to ensure their organizations recognize that these challenges exist, and to stop the stigma and get the platoon commanders, troop commanders, company commanders and squadron commanders to talk with their troops and be more open about these challenges.

National Defence committee  First, I'd just like to mention that, in terms of town halls, when you're talking physical injuries in the forces, it's easy for someone to talk about that because it's understood, it's recognized, it's visible and a person isn't faking it. A psychological disorder, however, or a

National Defence committee  I also think PTSD is more common. Members can talk openly about it because they all experience it. They're all in theatre together. Depression, anxiety and how we all react to certain life pressures varies. One person may be able to take it all stride and another person may not.

National Defence committee  The incident occurred in June 2019, and his court martial was scheduled for October 19, 2020, over a year later.

National Defence committee  I'm not sure of the exact charges.

National Defence committee  I'm not sure.

National Defence committee  He had been seen.... He was on medical category. He had gotten treatment and was removed from the medical category, and then promoted and continued to be heavily medicated. I don't know if, towards the end, he continued to receive any psychiatric or psychological services.

National Defence committee  It definitely runs in the family. As I said, my grandmother committed suicide. He did have a previous attempt in 2000 when he was based in Edmonton. I would say yes.

National Defence committee  I think there are several things to the largest factors. Something shifted in him after his tour to Afghanistan. That's when he started drinking. He was released from the forces in 2000 and rejoined in 2007, when he hadn't had a drink in several years. After Afghanistan he start

National Defence committee  Absolutely. Immediately, the notification.... I'm in Ottawa, my parents are in Ottawa, my sister-in-law is in Petawawa and my brother was in Petawawa. His CO and my sister-in-law called to inform me as soon as he was discovered. That was quick, and a team was being sent to noti

National Defence committee  That's a very big question. Based on the nature of how the Canadian Armed Forces works with the hierarchy, the ability for lower-ranking members to come forward and speak up in a town hall or any sort of forum won't happen. It never will. It hasn't. Having something like an an

National Defence committee  I would. In terms of return on investment, you won't get much of a difference. It's really the culture to be able to discuss openly issues surrounding mental health, to discuss suicide or suicide ideation within the ranks. Military leaders need to be more open, show humility and