Federal Restrictions Hurt Ombudsman’s Ability to Help Veterans: Report

A new report commissioned by Canada's veterans' ombudman's office says the watchdog's current limited authority and lack of independence from the government is hindering its ability to help those who have served in uniform. Lt.-Col. Craig Dalton, then-chief of staff for Task Force Kandahar, tells reporters in Kandahar, Afghanistan, that Canada has given command of Kandahar city to the U.S. on July 15, 2010. The Canadian Press/Bill Graveland

OTTAWA—The veterans ombudsman’s office is hoping a new report flagging problems with the watchdog’s limited authority and lack of independence from the federal government will lead to improvements in its ability to help those who have served in uniform.

Commissioned by the ombudsman’s office, the report represents the first real review of the watchdog’s operations since it was created in 2007 as a place that disabled veterans could turn if they felt the federal government was treating them unfairly.