PMO Staff Gets Free Lawyer- Veteran With PTSD Denied By Federal Court

Well Lisa; (Lisa LaFlamme) let me sum it up here. CTV has a comment section for tonight's broadcast (29 Nov), and I am writing.

IT DOESN'T GET MORE SHAMEFUL THAN THIS AND THAT'S NOT OKAY!! 

 

THERE COMES A TIME.....

NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO.... 

STAND UP FOR VETERANS

NOT PMO STAFFERS OR THE SENATE!

I have no illusion, this article will never see the light of day on TV. What is one more missed opportunity by the media going to mean anyway.

Oh! I know what it means:

1. 3 suicides in one week.
2. Veterans denied employment because they require service dogs
3. Mentally disabled Veterans (with PTSD) denied free Lawyers by the Federal Court because they are not recognized as disabled under the Human Rights Act (Accomodation)

Just the facts

WHAT'S OKAY

1. Our PM runs his office which is under investigation. He is not fully informed on staff actions.That's okay.
2. We have a Senate that is under investigation. That's okay
3. We have a Commander and Chief, The Governor General not speaking up for the troops. That's okay
4. DND can lose or destroy legal documents intended for a Veterans Pension. That's okay
5. The Privacy Commission agrees with DND and says to the Vet, if you don't like, it take us to Federal Court. That's okay
6. The Federal Court denies a mentally disabled Veteran a Lawyer. That's okay
7. The HRC has no jurisdiction over the Federal Court when it comes to complying with the Human Rights Act. That's okay
8. The Federal Court wants an explanation of the delay from the Veteran. That's okay
9. HRC Early Resolution has not even given an answer to the Veteran after having the complaint for 6 months. That's okay
10. The Veteran has to explain the delay to the Federal Court. He must explain why the HRC has not given the Veteran a decision on whether the cost of a Lawyer, (denied by the Federal Court itself) can or will be covered and by whom. That's okay

WHAT'S NOT OKAY

1. Being denied proper justice by DND in Harassment Complaint. That's not okay
2. Having to go to Military ADR for resolution. That's not okay
3. Having the resolution documents lost or destroyed by DND required by the Veteran for benefits. That's not okay
4. VAC denying initial benefits to the Veteran because of lost DND documents. That's not okay
5. While being tested and diagnosed with multiple mental disabilities, the Veteran is still required to fight to get legal help even though he is disabled and denied Accommodation under the Human Rights Act by the Federal Court. That's not okay
6. Having the Veteran have to justify to the Federal Court why the delay even though the delay is caused by the Early Resolution Department of HRC, not deciding for, or against, the Veteran. That's not okay
7. Having HRC Early Resolution Department take in excess of 6 months to decide that a mentally disabled Veteran with PTSD is, in fact, disabled. That's not okay

WHAT'S NOT OKAY - NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING OKAY

Three former members of the PMO under investigation by the RCMP are given legal help from prestigious Law Firms to assist them in answering the RCMP questions. All fees paid for by the tax payer. That's not even close to being okay.

MEDRIC and THAI - Go To Ottawa Again

TWO MORE SUICIDES

Well Medric, one more time into the breach for you. You are a wonderful speaker and Thai says so much without lifting a paw.

One day the coach will put me in and I can update them at the committee, of my slow steady progress through the legal channels.

In case they ask, here is an update for you and all Vets on my Case.
1. Privacy Comm stated it was okay DND destroy legal documents.
2. Privacy Comm stated if you don't like it take it to Federal Court.
3. Filed with Federal Court with a request for legal help because I am disabled.
4. Federal Court said no to Accommodate disabled Vets.
5. Filed formal Complaint with HRC May 2013.
6. HRC says Federal Court not Federal under their jurisdiction and I must re-file.
7. Re-filed with HRC against DND as cause.
8. Six (6) months later still no decision on whether mentally disabled is disabled.
9. VAC confirmed Mentally Disabled Veteran, may not qualify as disabled under the Human Rights Act. Still waiting after 6 months for the Early Resolution Department at HRC to answer me. It is clear the Federal Court does not think a mentally disabled Veteran is disabled and should be Accommodated.

Good luck in Ottawa, Medric. We are all pulling for you.

TWO MORE SUICIDES

You are not alone. No one left behind. I was having trouble sleeping tonight because of the news. Funny, you think of your time in the war zones and try and remember how it felt to get up that day knowing it could be your last. You put it out of your head or so you think. No, you just store it away for a time when you are not facing mortal danger, and pull it out just for enjoyment. People who have never experienced these thoughts and feelings don't understand why, when you are away from danger, your mind remembers.

UPDATE: After 6 months Human Rights Early Resolution Department has yet to confirm that a Veteran, injured in service to their country, diagnosed as permanently mentally disabled is disabled under the Act.

That's right folks. You heard it here first. Indecision at HRC as to whether disabled means disabled. WOW!

REST IN PEACE

WE ARE WATCHING

Inspiration - Thank You

Duck!...INCOMING! (Not what I had envisioned)

Yes I am back. Some I am sure will not be pleased but, I must say I have learned so much more about the Vet crowd out there.

As a lot of us know all too well, sometimes the never ending battle for things that seem so easy to understand is tough. I'm not quitting. I don't quit. What I do is take stock, change my para-dime and go back in.

The one thing that did strike me and warm my heart was the fact that my little stories were being listened to. Thank you for all your kind notes and messages.

For the latest, I have written a paper dealing with the harmonizing of DND with VAC. It deals with the fact that the military member having lived in the work environment based on the principle of Single Point of Contact (Your immediate supervisor is responsible to you for helping you through a problem), need this structure when starting with VAC.

I will expand on this during the week but I hope the VAC Committee will adopt this approach. I am working with Mario from St. Hubert and I have a picture here for Louis. Till I write again,

FINAL POST 14 NOVEMBER 2013

I wish to say thank you to all my supporters. I have done my best through humour and pointed articles, to get the information out and have this resolved behind closed doors.

This is obviously not possible. I must turn all my information now over to those with a different job description, who will have a less diplomatic way of presenting the facts.

I will be back on line sometime in the future but for now, thanks it was enlightening and educational.

NOW!

A Summation 11.11.11

Please Play the Link: What we stand for?

REMEMBRANCE DAY SCOREBOARD

Well sport's fans, once again it is time to receive a thank you from Canadians for all we, as Veterans, have done and what we stand for. To honour those fallen and take stock of what truly matters to us as a country.

I wish I had the RANT gift that Rick Mercer has but I only have my way of seeing things. The way I see it is that our country is stumbling. We are tripping over our own feet. I'm thinking that we might just have too many feet (Outdated Senate and GG) and it is time to trim a few.

THINK WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS?

HIND SIGHT IS?

Veteran's know what that is all about. They have lost real limbs. Lost friends. Lost family. They have endured long separations from loved ones. Their injuries are not visible in some cases but are as devastating as external physical injuries.

Pre-Game: The Government Thinks It Will Win

In Quebec the Charter of Values is coming. The Government of Canada says it will not stand up to a Constitutional challenge against our Canadian Charter of Rights.

The Vet Shoots The Puck and Waits

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) monitors Human Rights Complaints. I have followed all the rules and regulations in applying for their assistance in my discrimination case based on a "disability".

Waiting For The Referee's Call

I find it hard to understand that a Job Induced Mental Injury (JIMI), such as PTSD, is not recognized as a, "disability". PTSD is real. PTSD should be renamed as PTSI (Post Traumatic Stress Injury). There are physical changes to the body of a person with PTSD.

Why We Need Instant Replay

I have been at this point with HRC now, for 8 long months and still I must wait for them to decide that a JIMI such as PTSD is a disability. A mental disability with real physical manifestations. All I am looking for is a simple, YES it is or NO it is not.

The Wayne Gretsky Move

It took the PM less time to go from sound supporter of some Senators to having them thrown out of the Senate than it has for HRC to make a simple YES or NO decision.

Already in Overtime. Did The Vet Score?

I am just a simple, loyal Veteran asking a simple question. By saying YES, HRC will allow those with mental disabilities the same dignities as those with physical disabilities.

Post Game Report

Military, RCMP Veterans as well as all first responders, would appreciate your support. They are always there when we need them, let us be there for them when they need us.

"WE THE LITTLE PEOPLE," 

CAN EFFECT REAL CHANGE!

YOUR INPUT MATTERS. 

FOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES ACROSS CANADA

To all those who have and are devoting your valuable time and efforts, I just wanted to give you a little insight into how the Canadian Human Right's legislation is applied to mentally disabled Veterans. Here is an example letter that is being sent to groups and organizations who are working for the mentally disabled.

To Whom It May Concern; I will keep this short. I have a case in at Human Right's Canada. It involves the Act itself.

My case number at HRC is i1301294, in Ottawa.

I have a VAC confirmed diagnosis of: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD.

I have a court case against The Gov of Canada (DND). Due to my mental condition, I am unable to represent myself. I asked the HRC to provide a lawyer to me because of my unique situation under the Charter of Right's (Mentally Disabled). After my initial filing in May 2013 their answer was no because the Federal Court is not Federal and not covered under the legislation. I received a second no because the form had one small omission on it and finally after two tries to get the information included in the form, I now understand that, a Mental Disability is not a "disability", under their (HRC) definition. It is now almost 7 months later, November 2013.

There is an exemption clause in the Act which does apply but I can't get HRC to respond with a clear answer.

Can you help?

A Loyal Canadian Wounded Veteran

Captain (Ret'd) Michael Cole, CD1

Thanks Rick Mercer - Pic a Good Idea

We Gotta get this flow of power thing sorted out in this country!

It is like that joke; who's on first....?

Just another day at the British / Canadian / 

Little Place on the Hill.

For clarity;  We, "the little people", who elected our Member's of Parliament, who chose the second most powerful guy in Canada, the (PM), tell  his hand picked, the most powerful guy in Canada, the Governor General, to get those unelected people in the Senate to follow his wishes. Although he (the PM) hand picked the Senators and Governor General himself , they are not controlled by him. The Senate is governed differently, and that is by the Queen through his (the PM's) hand picked, Governor General. To bad the Queen is not here to straighten this mess out.

KIND OF SAYS IT ALL, DON'T IT?

PTSD should be PTSI

PTSD ( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) should be PTSI (Post Traumatic Stress Injury)

All caused by J.I.M.I. (Job Induced Mental Illness)

SHOULD BE PROPERLY INDICATED AS: 

PTSI (Post Traumatic Stress Injury and NOT a Disorder). An injury is something that is hopefully treatable. A disorder is.......?? In the military's case J.I.M.I (Job Induced Mental Injury) describes the cause.

" WE, THE LITTLE PEOPLE ! " - OF CANADA

In Their World

1. They take and spend our money based on public perception. They take and take with no rules. This is until they find some rules and apply only those that they wish to use. The other rules are left on a discretionary basis.

2. They are defended by the second highest person in government until too much information is found out then they find the rules that apply to kick them out.

3. Grouped in with those that take our money and spend it is, the highest office in Canada. This is the Governor General. Where is he in handling these appointed gods of money spending with no rules?

4. Finally, if some are guilty, as the second highest person in the country has stated, and he himself; appointed and supported these free spending people, he himself having done so, is above reproach, he thinks. "We the little people say," 

they should all be gone!

`

 In The Little People's World

1. "We the little people"; are taxed, policed and governed under a strict, almost oppressive set of clearly defined laws and regulations. There are no gaps left to our discretion. We must always follow these rules and regulations set by those who apparently, are not required to follow themselves.

2. "We the little people"; are governed by the highest position in the land, The Governor General who is appointed by the second highest position in the land, the Prime Minister. The second highest position in the land is appointed by Members of Parliament from the ruling party. Once chosen, this leader is given the job of, second highest position in Canada who; now rules over those who elected him/her from their party. This person now becomes the ultimate setter of rules and conduct standards. This person appoints the highest position in Canada along with a group of free spending unregulated red chamber members who can do anything with our money "they" deem appropriate.

3. "We the little people"; are tired or the waste, hipocracy and two tired justice systems running this country. One rule and one standard for all!

4. "We the little people"; are aware of those;" little ruby slippers placed upon our feet ". By simply clicking our heals together, "We the little people;" can and will have you all removed. I personally can't wait till 2015 or sooner, to make this happen.

"We the little people"; carry the biggest stick of all, our vote, and we will remember! 

CROSS CANADA DRIVE TUNES - ENJOY

Just in case you were unable to follow the blog about my road trip cross Canada, I compiled the driving tunes from each blog post. 

Here is the link:    http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7n1_-5dqKZ13QRNbB-gFMDKhynm5XMM4&feature=em-share_playlist_user

HRC CASE - I'M STILL FIGHTING FOR US ALL(Update)

No word back from the GREEN PARTY reference my request for their non-partisan support of all Veterans through this case precedent.

UPDATE !

What I responded to the Hon. Peter Stoffer:

Thank you for the information. I am currently working with Hon. J. Karygiannis in posing the following question to the HRC.

It appears that the HRC still does not have a clear understanding that a "mentally disabled" veteran(diagnosed), through their service to our country, is in fact "DISABLED" under their definition of disabled.

This might just be a great question to ask 

the government directly!

Regards

Captain (Ret'd) Michael Cole, CD1

REQUEST GOVERNMENT NON-PATISAN SUPPORT for VET HRC CASE

Michael I. Cole <michaelcole9112010@gmail.com>	8:27 PM (0 minutes ago)
to elizabeth.may, Peter, Toula

Hon. Ms May; I am a retired veteran. I served our country with distinction for 25 years. I retired as a heavy lift aircraft commander on Airbus A-310 and CC-130 Hercules. I have served in both Gulf Wars, Rwanda, Congo amongst many other special ops and UN missions.

Sadly, my flying career is over due to diagnosed major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety and PTSD. DND lost/destroyed my grievance file and legal agreement between myself and the Queen. This was done in contravention of the signed legal agreement. The Privacy Comm says I have to take DND to Federal Court. Currently, the Canadian Human Rights Commission does not recognize my diagnosed mental conditions as a disability. Because of this fact, I am required to spend my own small retirement pension to hire a lawyer to fight on my behalf through the court system. I am not capable of doing so because of my disability. This document issue is still ongoing to this day, 6.5 years after retirement.

You are known on the hill as, the most respected of all. Since I was a soldier and this fight is for fairness for all veterans, I am requesting your non-partisan support of my case at the Human Rights Commission along with the Liberals (Hon. J.Karygiannis) and NDP (Hon. P. Stoffer).

LET'S GET REALISTIC HERE

A VETERANS NATIONAL POINT OF VIEW

A few points to make before the government sits again, finally. The items are few but their solutions are unfortunately quite simple too.

First: The government wants to save me, the taxpayer money.

Solution: Since Harper can't bring himself to keep the election promise about the Senate and the Opposition wants it abolished, I believe a resolution is easily found. The Supreme Court is down a judge and Harper wants to keep on defending Senators then adjust the pay scale. Pay Senators and The Governor General 1 dollar per year salary. This will lower taxpayer costs and we would get rid of all those in it for the money and not for our Country. We would then have money to help needy veterans and their families.

Second: Hiring lawyers to put into the Bureau of Pension Advocates (BPA) to just fight Veterans Affairs (the people that hired them - this is their whole mandate) seems a waste of money. Veterans with PTSD, or any other Job Related Mental Injury (J.I.M.I.) be afforded a lawyer immediately after diagnosis to help them through the system and thus avoiding further injury.

Solution: Veterans should be able to use government hired lawyers to fight on their behalf all the way through the Canadian Court System. The idea that the BPA lawyers can only fight the organization that hired them is incestuous to say the least. The idea of loyalty to the client (veteran) comes into question rather quickly.

ANOTHER GG SIGHTING - HE SHOULD BE HERE SOON TO HELP VETERANS!

Thirdly: The WW2 and Korean Vets are aging. I believe there are more non-military members now than veterans at the Legions.

Solution: The Legions no longer support the majority of new veterans from a financial or legal footing. They provide no legal assistance to new veterans because they provide no lawyers. I asked. With dwindling numbers, Legions need to be closed and sold with the monies re-distributed to the viable Legions and to new veteran organizations. This will allow them to have finances to create their own establishments to suit their needs and requirements.

HOLIDAY DESIGNATION CHANGE

TO: Hon. Jim Karygiannis P.C., M.P. SENT 14 OCTOBER 2013

FROM: Captain (Ret'd) Michael Cole, CD1

The question I would pose tomorrow to the Minister of Veterans Affairs is a simple one. Could we designate 01 Aug as Veterans day instead of a civic holiday.

This would allow the Canadian public to honour all veterans and appreciate those post Korean War veterans who have served under the United Nations as peacekeepers, and in other conflicts such as those in Africa and Afghanistan  This would show them that

Canadian's appreciate their contribution to 

Canada and it's values.

BY THE LEFT - IN A BUNCH - QUICK MARCH

This is the cluster f........ that we look like to the government. My drive across Canada demonstrated how disfunctional we are. Time to start sharing our toys and get on with it.

It being gathering under one banner with one(1) voice. Here are some discussion points for US ALL to think about and decide upon. From emails I have received.

Re: Veterans Among Us BRIEF Inbox x David Desjardins 8:32 AM (2 hours ago) to me I couldn't agree more Michael.  Unfortunately that'll never happen.  There's too many people that want everything done their way or the highway, and a lot of vets are getting fed up with the animosity of the different groups.  I myself, was involved in numerous advocacy groups, but none of them want to work with each other, and it seems everyone wants recognition.  I've had enough with the lot of them and have settled down with Jeff Martland, as his "Jack Reacher" as he calls me.  Jeff's not in it for anything but to educate the public.  You'd think after x number of years in the military establishment, veterans would know how to work as a team and come together, rather than holding pissing contests to see who can write their name more eloquently in the snow.  It frustrates the shit out of me personally.  Great job on the drive by the way. I wish I was able to get out to see you when you were in the area, but health these days being what it is...LOL.  Take care of yourself Michael. Best wishes Brother. Dave Desjardins CD On Fri, Oct 11, 2013 at 2:09 AM, Michael I. Cole <michaelcole9112010@gmail.com> wrote: Jeff & Harold; Having just completed my trip cross Canada to inspire unity of all Veterans, it appeared very obvious that there is unity and loyalty but it is all local. As I visited each area of Canada, the Veterans were either not told or the concept was too national for them. I believe we need to get our own house in order first. The Legion is organized we, are not. Step one should be to design a command structure each region is comfortable with followed by units of common interests across the country should set up regular communications. In addition, nothing ever gets done without logistics. We need to identify our requirements and then get the resources.  So to re-cap we need a common banner under which we all will agree to. One that represents all Vets. Second, we need to get a organizational structure set up and lastly with logistics we need in house experts that can find and get access to the monies that are available out there for us. My thoughts anyway Michael Cole (michaelcole9112010@gmail.com) On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 7:44 PM, Harold Leduc <duke@hkpdesign.com> wrote: Jeff, A wonderful initiative. Perhaps the Legion and other organizations can assist by asking their members not to wear organization medals in public during the month of November to help veterans stand out. Just a thought, Harold On 2013-10-10, at 11:49 AM, Our Duty wrote: Please give distribution and encourage the participation of as many veterans as possible.  This is an excellent way to get civilians paying attention. Colonel, will you add your thoughts? - JRM ------------------------------------- WHAT:  Veterans Among Us   WHERE: Across Canada   WHEN: 1 & 30 November   WHO: All who have served in the Canadian Forces and RCMP   HOW:  By wearing medals, insignia, badges, pins, or anything else that visibly shows you to be a veteran   WHY: To show civilians how many veterans there are, so that they will pay attention to veterans issues and help solve problems.   1 in 35 Canadians is a veteran of the Forces or RCMP, yet many people do not realize they know veterans.  Veterans can be reluctant to discuss their service with those outside the military/mounted communities.   While people living near bases may be more aware, those in larger centres or away from bases probably don’t know much about the contributions made by veterans.  It is also normal for people to ignore news which is not connected to their life.  For that matter, when people hear ‘veteran’, many still think of old men in wheelchairs on Remembrance Day – and not the reality of who veterans are.   Veterans Among Us is designed to change that.    By participating, veterans will be helping citizens to understand that veterans are male and female, from all parts of Canada’s cultural mosaic, and are all around them, all the time.  It will promote knowledge and understanding of veterans issues in a non-political, non-confrontational way.  Instead of elderly en, people will start seeing their friends, neighbours, co-workers, whenever they hear the word ‘veteran’.  It will give individual Canadians the chance to say thanks, to ask questions about your service, and to find out about how we are treating you.   Veterans Among Us is the first step to achieving results for those who served – as long as veterans remain hidden from the public mind, civilians won’t be paying attention.  But when people discover that people they know have served, citizens will be far more vocal in supporting veterans. Link to Facebook event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1405525206335171 More info?  Contact Jeff Rose-Martland, President of Our Duty: rosemartland@gmail.com (direct) or exec@ourduty.org

CHANGE IS IN THE WIND

There is a problem with our outdated Monarchy system in Canada. We are a Nation. We are a Country not a Colony. We need to lose the Senate and Governor General and save those tax dollars for Indigenous Governance and for our Military, Vets, RCMP and new citizens of Canada. We no longer should swear allegiance to the Queen. This is my Country and I want a Commander in Chief from Canada and the citizens living here should swear allegiance to this Country not England through the Queen.

Dr. Pamela Palmater, Director, Centre for Indigenous Governance, Ryerson University

IDLE NO MORE: REFRAMING THE NATION TO NATION RELATIONSHIP As part of the 3rd Annual Social Justice Week At Ryerson University. 6:30pm TRSM 1076- Ryerson Univ...

NATIONAL not LOCAL

RADIO INTERVIEW

INTERESTING

Indigenous Nationhood shared DOCcupy and Decolonise's photo.

49 minutes ago

Thanks for posting this! Time to stand up to Harper!

"In addition to this legislative framework, resource development is on aggressive fast forward. And their policy think tanks have said, "Make no mistake, we're going to lay those pipes and we're going to mine those minerals if we have to se...See More

 — with Indigenous Nationhood.

4

IT IS NOT A CRIME

15,774 KM LATER - I'M BACK

Wow, what a learning curve. It takes an attempt at unity to really bring out the facts about New Vets, Old Vets and the differences. I looked at the structure, unity and goals of each. I have a new perspective on what has happened and where the future lies.

AS TERRY FOX SAID: "Dreams are made if people only try. I believe in miracles....I have to....
                                        because somewhere the hurting must stop."

It was so nice to interact with the public and hear their views. A warm and kind response. This gave me a much needed boost and re-affirmed my determination to see things through to the end. With that in mind, and my trip behind me, it is back to working for all veterans.

I am focusing now on those with PTSD or which should be referred to as Post Traumatic Stress Injury PTSI / Job Induced Mental Illness JIMI.

PTSD = PTSI or JIMI

I initially filed with the Human Rights Commission back in July of this year. Being as it is now October, I would have thought that the Early Resolution Officers at HRC would have produced some kind of plan by now, but no.

My next posts will be laying out my case to you and helping you understand what Veterans are up against when trying to get help.