Pat Stogran

Pat Stogran is a retired Colonel of the Canadian Forces Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and was Canada's first Veteran's Ombudsman. In 2010, Stogran criticized the Conservative government's choice to enact the New Veterans Charter, which, among other changes, took away veterans' disability pensions in favour of a one-time lump sum payment.^[1]

Early life

Canadian Forces Career

Stogran graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1980 and was commissioned in Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. His initial employment with that Regiment's Third Battalion in CFB Esquimalt, BC. Subsequently in the latter half of the 1980s he was employed as the Regimental Adjutant of The Canadian Airborne Regiment in CFB Petawawa, Ontario.

Veterans' Ombudsman

Creation

In its lead-up to taking office in 2006, the then-Conservative Opposition placed a high priority on changing veterans' benefits. In 2007, after taking office, the Conservative government passed the New Veterans Charter and the Veterans Bill of Rights in accordance with its campaign promises. Among other changes, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman was created. The Ombudsman was to report directly to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and would independently ensure the department's compliance with the Veterans Bill of rights.^[2]

Appointment

On October 15, 2007, Stogran was appointed as Canada's first Veterans Ombudsman.^[3]

Criticism

Non-renewal of Appointment

In 2010 a spokesman for Veterans Affairs Canada confirmed Stogran's appointment would not be renewed. The department would not comment on its reason for not renewing his appointment, although several commentators suggested it was due to his outspokenness and criticism of the Conservative government.^[4] In November 2010, Stogran was replaced by retired Chief Warrant Officer Guy Parent, who was given a five-year term.

References