Focus Lost
Between 1915 and 1944, the Government of Canada built a rehabilitation model that was the toast of the allied world. This model emulated the principle of “opportunity with security,”1 providing care and treatment based on each veteran’s need, from discharge to the grave, including additional benefits for disabled veterans. Over one million WWI, WWII and Korea War veterans and their families were successfully re-integrated into civilian society, a benefit to both themselves and Canada.2
From then until very recently, it was recognized that persons who join the Canadian Armed Forces are subjected to a process of indoctrination into military culture. Militaries are total institutions. Many veterans therefore find themselves unable to readjust to civilian society when they re-enter it after years of having been in the military. These veterans remain psychologically vulnerable for the rest of their lives. When applicable, physical and operational stress injuries compound this problem.
Lifetime financial support for disabled veterans’ spouses and family members came to an end with the implementation of the New Veterans’ Charter in 2006. Since then, disabled veterans have been placed on a narrow-focused “transition” track. The special status of every veteran, as he/she/they attempt to reintegrate into civilian society, has become lost.
Veterans Watch believes that, in accordance with the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, all veterans are equal under the law. Hence, the principle of “opportunity with security” should return to being applied equally to all veterans.
- Woods, Walter S. (1953). Rehabilitation (a Combined Operation). [Ottawa] Printer to the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty.
- Schull, Joseph. (1973). Veneration for Valour: An Assessment of the Veterans’ Charter, Its Impact on Canadian Veterans and on Canada as a Whole. [Ottawa]: Information Canada.
