Update from Veterans Ombudsman

April 3, 2020

RCMP Veterans’ Association

Members Helping Members

This information is being provided to all Association Members

Veterans Ombudsman, Craig Dalton

A Message from Craig Dalton to Veterans

Good Day,

First, let me say that I hope all of you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.

As our partner, I’d like to share with you today what is taking place at the Office at the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO) as our country faces the COVID-19 pandemic.

The OVO quickly adapted to ensure that our frontline service to Veterans and their families could be offered virtually, as our staff mobilized to work remotely. Staff continue to both receive and investigate individual complaints.

I am inspired by our employees’ response and desire to keep services in place for Veterans and their families.

The public can reach out virtually, using tools such as online complaint form and email. Our staff are responding to voicemail messages and striving to meet the 24 hour service standard. Shortly, we will have confidential phone lines in place and will once again be able to take direct calls. We will update you when phone service is fully restored via our Web site and social media.

It is reasonable for clients to expect at this time, while file work continues, that progress may advance at a slower pace.

Behind the scenes the work also continues on systemic investigations and planning for what shape future engagements will take. While this is a work in progress, it is almost certain that we will adopt new ways to engage with you and keep the conversation with Veterans and their families going on issues impacting them.

I hope that you and all those in the Veterans community are keeping safe and finding ways to face the realities that these times bring.

Please be in touch if you have questions or feel free to share how you are doing.

Take good care,

Craig Dalton