OTTAWA - The Canadian Forces should improve health care and benefits for reserve soldiers, sailors and flyers and treat everyone the same, the military ombudsman says.
In a strong report issued Thursday, Mary McFadyen says the Canadian Forces have different standards for regulars and reserves and that this is simply unfair.
"While reservists are being called on more and more to fill the same roles as members of the regular force, when reservists need medical attention, they often find they are not treated the same way as regular force members," the report said.
It noted that one in five soldiers in the Afghan mission are reservists and that the reserves will also play a key role in security for the 2010 Olympics.
McFadyen said the double standards are troubling.
For example, she said, in cases of serious injury some reserve troops are only eligible for 40 per cent of the accidental dismemberment payout available to others.
She urged the Defence Department to change that.
She also wants reserve soldiers to have equal access to health and dental care.
"In return for their commitment to train and serve their country, reservists rightfully expect to receive the best care possible when they are injured or become ill while on duty or away from their home while performing military service."
McFadyen said these problems have existed for decades, but the increased role of reservists in operations today has made the problem worse.
Among the report's dozen recommendations is a call for the Canadian Forces to develop a clear, accessible and consistent framework laying out all its policies on health care and benefits.
That framework should also make it clear that in cases where issues of entitlement aren't clear, the soldier should get the benefit of the doubt.
