A report by the Canadian Forces ombudsman reveals that a decade after the Department of National Defence promised to address systemic issues affecting military reservists, little progress has been made. The report, titled “Marking Time: A Decade of Stalled Progress for the Primary Reserve,” highlights the continued challenges faced by ill and injured Primary Reserve members, who encounter a disjointed system characterized by delays, confusion, and unequal treatment.
Despite assurances from senior military leaders that previous recommendations from 2016 would be implemented, the ombudsman, Mario Baril, notes that these changes have not been fully executed. This comes at a time when the military increasingly relies on reservists for various operations and deployments, and with plans to expand the Reserve Force in the future.
Baril expressed disappointment over the lack of improvement, emphasizing the importance of addressing the inequities identified in the reports, especially given the growing role of reservists in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations. The report highlights longstanding issues in how injured or ill reservists access healthcare, compensation, and administrative support, noting disparities compared to their Regular Force counterparts.
The ombudsman’s report also points out a cultural gap between the Regular Force and the Reserve Force, impacting how reservists are treated and supported. Baril underscored the need for progress in compensating and providing healthcare for injuries sustained by reservists, stressing the importance of fulfilling promises to attract and retain personnel.
Defence Minister David McGuinty has formally agreed with the report’s recommendations, including digitizing the compensation application process and allocating more resources to Reserve-specific health policy. The Department of National Defence is working on a strategy to address compensation and governance concerns within the reserves, with a focus on modernization efforts for improved efficiency.
Despite past commitments stalling due to various challenges, Baril remains committed to ensuring the implementation of recommendations through ongoing monitoring and persistence. The ombudsman’s office reiterates the relevance of the 2016 recommendations and emphasizes the need for sustained efforts to address the systemic issues affecting military reservists.