MP Gallant Hosts Healthcare Session

September 11, 2009

Cheryl Gallant, MP listening to Veteran Affairs Pension Officer Nicole Handspiker-Adams respond to a question


PETAWAWA, ONTARIO… MP Cheryl Gallant, (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) recently held an information session to follow up on the spring release of the Report on the Provision of Health Services to the Canadian Forces. Doing Well and Doing Better was issued in June and came with 36 recommendations. The emphasis of the report was on the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).

“As a member of the Standing Committee on National Defence, our committee made a detailed study of the provision of healthcare to members of the Canadian Forces. Now that the report has been issued, I do not want it to gather dust on some shelf,” observed Cheryl Gallant, MP. “This was my first opportunity to ask the Petawawa military community to comment on the recommendations and to provide input for me to take directly to the Minister of Defence the Hon. Peter MacKay. 

“In addition to seeking feedback from Canadian Forces members about the Report, I was pleased to invite officials from Veteran’s Affairs and Public Works and Government Services to explain government programs,” said MP Gallant. “In the case of pensions, I wanted those individuals who have contacted me regarding military pension issues an opportunity to get answers to their questions. There has been considerable confusion over an opposition private members’ bill , how it would affect a members pension, and the difference between what some think it states as opposed to what it would actually do.  I understand that the opposition MP who has put forward that Bill has been removed from the defence critic position.”

“It is no secret that the Afghanistan mission has placed increased demands on our community, particularly families. The mission represents a different set of challenges to a new generation of soldier that we have not seen in many years. I need to know what is happened on and off Base for me to help with the increased demands. Getting spouses out to a public meeting is my way of encouraging individuals to open up about concerns they may have. The success of this recent meeting tells me that more should be planned,” explained MP Gallant.

“For individuals who were not able to make the public meeting, extra copies of the Report “Doing Well and Doing Better: Health Services Provided to Canadian Forces Personnel with an Emphasis on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are available by calling the constituency office. I encourage constituents who would like to share their experience about any military issues to please not hesitate to contact their Member of Parliament.