Editorial September/October 2015

Since part one of “Cracks in the system” appeared in the July/August 2015 issue of Legion Magazine, several readers have written to demonstrate their support for veterans and concern about how they are treated by our government.

“I lost my family to PTSD and chronic pain,” Gord Hockridge (alias Sapperboy) of Chilliwack, B.C., commented on legionmagazine.com. “I suffered 25 years before there was any help. Then when help arrived, it was a battle with VAC bureaucrats. I have been and am being helped by VAC now, but what a humiliating journey.

“I wouldn’t suggest how you cast your vote, but history provides a great preview of the future.… All I ask is that when you vote, put Canada ahead of yourself; just like you did when you were in the service.”

Hockridge’s sentiments reflect those of many others who remain baffled by the numerous examples of disabled—and entitled—veterans having benefits claims discounted, delayed or denied by Veterans Affairs Canada. Picking up where part one left off, “Broken faith” (see page 22) examines the cases of Mark Campbell and Paul Franklin, two of the country’s most prominent veterans’ advocates. Both suffered egregious wounds while on duty in Afghanistan; both are double amputees, and both returned home to face new fights—against an insensitive bureaucracy and its complex and at times absurd regulations.

Veteran Paul Franklin. [Louie Palu]

Veteran Mark Campbell. [Louie Palu]

Those regulations are the direct result of legislation written and enacted by the politicians we elect. Legion Magazine is a non-partisan enterprise that does not endorse or get involved with political parties or political party actions during elections. However, the magazine is a journalistic enterprise that reports on matters related to our military history, armed forces and veterans’ issues. This includes, of course, examining the impact of government legislation on veterans’ interests. The magazine also unwaveringly supports the democratic process, and with a federal election coming in October, we feel that the state of Canada’s military veterans needs to be a prominent election issue.

In any democracy, it is important that people make informed voting decisions. On the issues of Canadian veterans, one important source of information is The Royal Canadian Legion’s position paper Veterans Matter, which outlines the Legion’s stance on issues affecting veterans, their families and their overall well-being.

As you vote, keep in mind
the interests and welfare
of all those who serve.

(To obtain a copy, go to www.legion.ca/article/the-royal-canadian-legion-position-paper-veterans-matter.) The more Canadians raise veterans’ issues with their local candidates, in town hall debates, in letters to editors, in call-in radio shows, the more likely the problems outlined in parts one and two of “Cracks in the system” will be addressed. As Legion Magazine readers, you share in your concern for veterans and may form a coherent voting bloc. So find out how your candidates intend to support veterans. And as you vote, keep in mind the interests and welfare of all those who serve.