Investigations and Recommendations

Reserved Care: An Investigation into the Treatment of Injured Reservists

Synopsis

This investigation was launched in 2006 following complaints from Canadian Forces Reserve members who indicated that different standards of health care were applied to those injured while serving Canada. The investigation marked the Office's first systemic investigation involving Canada's Reserve Force.

Recommendations

  1. We recommend that:
    • The Canadian Forces develop a new framework governing the entitlement to, and provision of, medical and dental care for the various categories of Reservists;
    • The new framework be drafted in clear and user-friendly terms so that it lends itself to fair and consistent interpretation and application;
    • The new framework (and all subsequent amendments and clarifications thereto) be widely circulated, and remain accessible to, and easily retrievable for, all concerned; and
    • This framework be completed within 12 months following the publication of this report.
  2. We recommend that the framework for medical and dental care recognize the obligation for the Canadian Forces to provide Reservists (whether by Canadian Forces caregivers or by external health care providers) with the comprehensive health care they require as a result of illness or injury attributable to military service.
  3. We recommend that the framework for medical and dental care identify the Canadian Force’s responsibility to provide medical and dental care to all Reservists who need it while serving away from their civilian health care providers.
  4. We recommend that the new framework for medical and dental care contain a general direction to decision makers that it should be interpreted and applied in a fair and generous manner and that, in cases where issues of entitlement are unclear, the decision shall be resolved in favour of the member.
  5. We recommend that, within 12 months following the publication of this report, the standards for periodic health assessments be applied equally for Primary Reserve and Regular Force personnel.
  6. We recommend that, within 12 months following the publication of this report, the Canadian Forces:
    • Publish immunization/vaccination requirements that apply to all military personnel (Regular and Primary Reserve Force) engaged in domestic operations and training; and
    • Put in place a mechanism for the provision of these immunizations/vaccinations at public expense to both Primary Reserve and Regular Force members.
  7. We recommend that, within 12 months following the publication of this report, the Canadian Forces develop a framework to ensure that Reservists receive fair compensation for lost income and proper medical care when they suffer injuries as a result of engaging in training activities to attain or maintain Canadian Forces physical standards.
  8. We recommend that the Canadian Forces take immediate action to maintain and safeguard all Reserve Force health records to the same standard as the Regular Force.
  9. We recommend that health records follow the member during component transfers and re-enrollments.
  10. We recommend that the Accidental Dismemberment Insurance Plan be changed, retroactive to February 13, 2003, to ensure that all Canadian Forces members receive the same compensation for the same injury.
  11. We recommend that the Canadian Forces take immediate action to ensure that all Supplementary Reservists who are attach posted to the Primary Reserve receive the same benefits as their counterparts.
  12. We recommend that the Canadian Forces take immediate action to enable prompt medical releases for all Reserve Force personnel.

Supporting Documents