'A lack of leadership': Military, RCMP veterans calling for change to Veterans Affairs Canada
Military and RCMP veterans are calling for changes to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) – a message that was made clear during a rally in Dartmouth, N.S., on Thursday.
“This is about a lack of leadership inside the department and within the government of Canada,” says veteran Dennis Manuge.
Prince Edward Island Member of Parliament Lawrence MacAulay became Veterans Affairs Minister in 2019. Manuge says, in that time, access to services has declined for veterans.
“The minister has lost the confidence of both veterans and his own employees. It’s time for the minister to resign and step aside," Manuge says.
Those at the rally say, since 2007, they have been promised by the federal government that wait times for physical and mental health services would be addressed. Rollie Lawless, who attended Thursday's rally, says many are still struggling to access the help they need.
“Benefits and services are accessible but again, if you’re in the system already, it’s not hard. It’s those trying to get into the system that seems to be the hiccup, the initial applications for the initial wait times," Lawless says.
Part of the blame is being put on the privatization of veterans services.
In July of 2021, the federal government awarded a multi-year contract to Lifemark Health Group to provide rehabilitation and vocational assistance. A year later, Lifemark was purchased by Loblaws.
“By transferring services over to Lifemark, means that Lifemark has to make a profit. That means millions and millions of dollars that should be going into benefits for veterans will now be going into the private pocket of Galen Weston and his subsidiary companies,” says Peter Stoffer of the Veterans Legal Assistance Fund.
Other concerns include Veterans Affairs Canada staff offering medical assisted deaths to at least four veterans and the unspent billions of dollars set aside for veterans' services.
“When you have $2 billion since 2006 of lapse funding not spent and you want to know why, you have problems,” says Stoffer.
Problems that are prompting this group of veterans to speak out.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Defence minister says Canada supports U.S. downing of Chinese balloon
The federal defence Minister says Canada 'unequivocally supports' the United States government's decision to shoot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.
U.S. downs Chinese balloon, drawing a threat from China
The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. China insisted the flyover was an accident involving a civilian aircraft and threatened repercussions.
'It's devastating': Homeless Canadians at risk as Eastern Canada endures extreme cold, advocates say
As the majority of Eastern Canada stays indoors during an extreme cold weather alert, homeless shelters are struggling to keep up with the demand from unhoused people as temperatures continue to drop.
Extreme cold can bring frostbite and hypothermia. Here are the symptoms to watch for
Canadians will continue to bundle up in the country's east this weekend as a recent bout of extreme cold persists in much of Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. CTVNews.ca looks at the signs and symptoms for frostbite and hypothermia to watch for if exposed to extreme cold.
China says it strongly opposes U.S. move to shoot down balloon
China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that it expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition towards the United States' use of force to attack its airship.
Poor oral health could affect the brain later in life: early study
An early study has shown keeping your gums and teeth healthy may have added benefits for your brain health.
Federal government asking RCMP to ban use of sponge rounds, CS gas for crowd control
The federal government says it wants the RCMP to ban the use of two crowd-control tools that forces across the country say they have in their arsenals: sponge rounds and CS gas.
Extremely cold temperatures prolong cold weather alerts for much of Eastern Canada
A cold snap that triggered Environment Canada alerts involving eight provinces and territories extended into a second day on Saturday, shattering several past temperature records and leaving thousands of customers in Atlantic Canada without power.
Toronto named as host city for 2024 NHL all-star game
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Saturday the league's 2024 showcase will be played in Toronto for the ninth time.
Toronto
-
Metrolinx begins to clear trees at Osgoode Hall, agrees to 'pause work' ahead of hearing on their removal
A spokesperson for the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) says Metrolinx began cutting down historic trees at Osgoode Hall in Toronto on Saturday before the Ontario Superior Court could hear an injunction to prevent their clearing.
-
Marit Stiles officially confirmed as Ontario NDP leader by majority vote
Marit Stiles officially became the new leader of the Ontario NDP on Saturday after a majority of party members voted in favour of the lone candidate.
-
Police investigating after two people found dead in Bowmanville, Ont.
Police in Durham Region are investigating after two people were found dead in Bowmanville.
Calgary
-
'Intense' Dover townhouse fire sends 3 to hospital
Three people are in stable condition in hospital after a two-storey Calgary townhouse caught fire on Saturday morning.
-
Suspect in show home sexual assault identified
Calgary police have identified a man they believe is connected to the sexual assault of a show home employee in Alpine Park.
-
Indigenous, Chinese-Canadian communities celebrate Lunar New Year at Club 88 event
Chinese New Year celebrations continued in Calgary's Chinatown district Friday night.
Montreal
-
Extreme cold temperatures across Quebec, East Coast expected to linger until Sunday
Residents from Quebec to Newfoundland and Labrador are waking up this morning to more extreme cold weather. Emergency officials warned people to seek shelter and monitor for frostbite if they had to be outside overnight, as the temperature across much of Eastern Canada was expected to feel like -40 C to -50 C with the wind chill.
-
Gunshots in Old Montreal; police discover man, 31, seriously injured
A 31-year-old man was seriously injured Saturday night following gunfire in Old Montreal. Montreal police (SPVM) were called to Place Jacques-Cartier in the Ville-Marie borough around 7:55 p.m. after multiple people called 911 reporting gunshots and an injured man.
-
'Managing' sudden death: Doctor pushes to install defibrillators in Quebec's public spaces
A Quebec cardiologist is spearheading an effort to install more defibrillators in public, with the goal of making the life-saving machines more accessible in a crisis.
Edmonton
-
'I was begging the man to help': Off-leash dog attacks German shepherd in northeast Edmonton
A dog required emergency surgery after what its owner described as a vicious attack Friday evening in northeast Edmonton.
-
Closure of The Station on Jasper a devastating blow to local musicians
Musicians and live music supporters are mourning the loss of another Edmonton concert venue.
-
One killed in police confrontation at Cold Lake First Nation
A 45-year-old man was killed in a 'confrontation' with RCMP officers responding to a firearms complaint Saturday morning at a northeast Alberta First Nation.
Northern Ontario
-
Suspect in Manitoulin Island assault at large, police seek witnesses and video footage
The suspect in an assault in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island Thursday is still at large and police are seeking witnesses or video footage in hopes of finding him.
-
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates | Daniel Jolivet insists he's not a murderer and says he has proof
Convicted murderer Daniel Jolivet, in prison for the past 30 years, has maintained his innocence since the day he was arrested. W5 reviews the evidence he painstakingly assembled while behind bars. W5's documentary 'Buried Evidence' airs Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV.
-
Bon Soo revellers take on the Polar Rush
After a very cold – but well-attended – opening night on Friday, Bon Soo 2023 was in full swing Saturday.
London
-
Londoners celebrate Black History Month with opening ceremony
The opening celebration of Black History Month was held at the Museum London on Saturday afternoon.
-
Three-vehicle crash sends two children to hospital with serious injuries
Two children have been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a three-vehicle crash Saturday morning.
-
London police seize multiple weapons, drugs during arrest
London police seized nine handguns, cash and drugs during the arrest of a wanted man Thursday afternoon.
Winnipeg
-
Frosty festivals to winter sports: How Winnipeggers are taking advantage of milder weather
Donning toques, mitts and scarves Saturday, Winnipeg families didn't let some light snow spoil a break from the extreme cold.
-
Three arrested after downtown stabbing: Police
A 57-year-old man is recovering in hospital after a stabbing in downtown Winnipeg Friday night.
-
'We need to do better': Survey finds cancer patient care remains inconsistent across Canada
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is calling on the federal government to do more for cancer patients, as the system continues to struggle nearly three years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ottawa
-
At least 15 groups have filed applications to buy the Ottawa Senators, NHL commissioner says
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says more than a dozen groups have filed applications to buy the Ottawa Senators, with a preliminary cut of the potential bidders expected later this month when the initial bids are submitted.
-
Defence minister says Canada supports U.S. downing of Chinese balloon
The federal defence Minister says Canada 'unequivocally supports' the United States government's decision to shoot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.
-
Fire at hotel in downtown Ottawa
Black smoke was seen coming from the 22nd floor of Les Suites Hotel in downtown Ottawa on Saturday afternoon.
Saskatoon
-
'100 per cent Filipino products': Saskatoon Filipino community hosts first trade show for a good cause
The Studio at Midtown Mall was host to the first edition of the Proudly Pinoy Filipino Trade Show this weekend.
-
Sask. mine recruiting hundreds of workers
BHP is moving forward with its plans to build the world's largest potash mine.
-
Saskatoon police chief takes part in 'polar plunge'
Saskatoon’s police chief, Troy Cooper, participated in a polar plunge as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Saskatchewan.
Vancouver
-
'He was a special guy': Musqueam First Nation holds celebration of life for Gino Odjick
Hundreds gathered at the Musqueam Cultural Centre Saturday to honour the life of former Vancouver Canuck Gino Odjick.
-
Wanted Victoria man arrested in U.S. after Coast Guard rescue, bizarre fish incident at 'Goonies' house
A man wanted in Victoria, B.C., is now in custody in the U.S. after a bizarre series of events, including a dramatic ocean rescue by the Coast Guard and the placing of a dead fish at the house made famous by the 1985 film "The Goonies."
-
Woman fined $50K for unlicensed property management in Vancouver
B.C.'s real estate services regulator has suspended a woman from the industry for 30 days and imposed $50,000 in penalties for her misconduct in managing a rental agreement for a client.
Regina
-
'Thank you to all Canadians': Ukrainians in Sask. show appreciation by donating blood
A group who fled to Canada due to the war in Ukraine are showing their appreciation by donating the gift of life at Canadian Blood Services in Regina.
-
Igloos, ice bars, and hiking; Frost Festival kicks off 2023 with new events
Above seasonal temperatures with snow squalls did not slow down the first day of Regina's Frost Festival.
-
Man assaulted with 'glass object' in Regina’s downtown: Police
A man is facing an assault charge after striking another man with a glass object early Saturday morning.
Vancouver Island
-
Wanted Victoria man arrested in U.S. after Coast Guard rescue, bizarre fish incident
A man wanted in B.C. has been arrested in Oregon after a bizarre series of events involving a high seas rescue and a home made famous in the 1985 film "The Goonies."
-
Oak Bay library to remain closed up to 12 more weeks for asbestos abatement
The Oak Bay Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library will remain closed for significantly longer than initially planned.
-
Thieves hit Duncan business 2 times in 26 hours
Goldstone Consignment Boutique in downtown Duncan was recently hit by two smash-and-grab thefts within a 26-hour period.