For the Sake of Fairness: The Case of Squadron Leader (Retired) Clifton Wenzel Now Available!

In May 2005, at the request of Defence Minister Bill Graham, the Ombudsman began an investigation into the case of Clifton Wenzel. Mr. Wenzel, now 83, is a decorated WWII veteran who served with the RCAF. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Canadian Decoration. With over 20 years of military service behind him, he has been fighting for over 44 years to obtain the pension he feels he was wrongfully denied.

The Ombudsman’s report identifies serious weaknesses in process leading up to the 1961 decision not to grant Mr. Wenzel a pension and makes several recommendations intended to rectify the injustice done to him. The report, For the Sake of Fairness, which was released at the National Press Theatre on November 8, 2005, and the press release, are available here.

Update on SISIP Recommendations

In this letter, Ombudsman Yves Côté writes to the Honourable Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence, regarding recommendations from the 2003 special report Unfair Deductions from SISIP Payments to Former CF Members. While three of the report’s recommendations have been implemented, two remain outstanding. To view the entire letter, click here.

Minister Graham announces the appointment of Yves Côté as the new Ombudsman for National Defence and Canadian Forces.

Statement of Yves Côté following his appointment as the new Ombudsman for DND and the CF. 

2004-2005 Annual Report Now Available!

The Ombudsman’s 2004-2005 Annual Report highlights the work that the Office has done over the past fiscal year as well as details the special reports that will be released in the year ahead. The Annual Report, which was tabled in the House of Commons on June 9th and subsequently released to the public, as well as the press release and the backgrounder are available here.

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