Go to Header Menu | Go to Topics Menu | Graphical Version

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soldiers need immediate education on operational stress injuries

WINNIPEG (March 6, 2003) --- Military Ombudsman André Marin recommends that training about operational stress injuries (OSIs) be implemented immediately for active troops in the field. “Given the intensity of our current troop commitment, this matter is more pressing than ever and has to be a high priority.”

Today Mr. Marin released a report entitled Off the Rails: Crazy Train Float Mocks Operational Stress Injury Sufferers, based on his investigation into a complaint about a float called the “Crazy Train”. The float in the shape of a train pulling a cage bore the signs “CT-01” and “NEXT STOP NORTH SIDE”. It was entered in the annual 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI) pre-Grey Cup celebration on November 22, 2002.

The Ombudsman found that the float entered into the celebrations, referred to as the French Grey Cup, was intended to portray the “Crazy Train” and was generally understood by many of those in attendance to be a derogatory reference to those who are at the North Side of the base undergoing treatment for OSIs.

“I am disappointed that soldiers chose to ridicule their fellow members by putting together such a tasteless float. OSIs are a very serious illness and should be treated as such,” Mr. Marin emphasized.

The Ombudsman also found that the Forces’ internal investigation into this incident was inadequate. He drew up an investigation protocol to guide future investigations of this kind. “I will be using this protocol to monitor the quality of future investigations conducted by the Canadian Forces,” Mr. Marin warned.

“Complaints of this nature must be taken seriously,” Mr. Marin said, “whether it’s someone who has been affected personally and comes forward, or someone who complains on that person’s behalf.”

Last year, Mr. Marin conducted two extensive investigations into the systemic treatment of CF members with post traumatic stress disorder and other OSIs. He made a total of 31 recommendations on a wide range of issues including training, education, unit support and medical confidentiality.

All reports are available online at:
/reports/main_e.asp

Media Contact DND/CF Ombudsman:
Barbara Theobalds
Director, Communications
613-992-6962

Header Menu

Topics Menu

Mandate
The Ombudsman
FAQs
Case Scenarios
Submitting a Complaint
Commendations
Reports
Media Room
Updates
Statistics
Site Map