(19 Aug. 2010) - Perhaps if Colonel Stogran had a well-financed lobby behind him the situation would be different. Unfortunately, unlike the arms industry, veterans tend to lack the money needed to 'effectively' lobby federal politicians.
By James Clancy
National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)
Ottawa - It is more than a little ironic that Col. Pat Stogran's last day as Canada's Veterans Ombudsman will be the day before Remembrance Day. On the day that Canadians pause to reflect on the sacrifices that so many in our armed forces have made, the federal government will be trying to ensure that we forget the living victims of war.
Related commentary on the Harper government's treatment of our troops.
Colonel Stogran's downfall was caring too much about our veterans – being too outspoken in their defence – remembering their sacrifices too well. Obviously the Harper Conservatives don't want to hear about these women and men. Praise the fallen and forget the living.
But when it comes to buying the hi-tech toys of war the Harperites are all ears.
Like those F-35 fighter jets they want to buy at a price tag of $9 billion - which jumps to $16 billion when the maintenance contract is included. These new toys will have stealth technology, state-of-the-art operating systems and super-secure communications.
They are being purchased just in time for us to pull out of Afghanistan – which NUPGE supports and was among the first to have called for Canada’s withdrawal.
The contrast between the two decisions is stark. On one hand, an increase of only a few million dollars would go a great length towards providing support and comfort to those who have served this country in the armed forces, many of whom have serious and debilitating illnesses which are a direct result of their service.
On the other hand, billions, repeat billions, of dollars will now be going to a major multinational corporation to provide fighter jets to be used – well, hopefully never.
Perhaps if Col. Stogran had a well-financed lobby behind him the situation would be different. Unfortunately, unlike the arms industry, veterans tend to lack the money needed to 'effectively' lobby federal politicians.
If it is any consolation to the colonel he is in good company. His name has joined a growing list of federal watchdogs and professional public employees, some even appointed by the Harper government, who have been given the boot for doing what they were hired to do.
(Check here for more on the Harper government's democratic deficit.)
James Clancy
National President
NUPGE
James Clancy is the national president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• President's Commentaries
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