Cpl. Steve Stoesz said that veterans now face major obstacles accessing treatment for issues like post-traumatic stress disorder.
He was speaking in response to proposed job cuts at the Department of National Defence and the proposed closure of a mental health facility in Ottawa, which opposition MPs say will make it harder for soldiers with PTSD to get help.
While Stoesz suffered several physical injuries during combat, it's the emotional and mental toll of war that plagues him most days.
"This is totally unacceptable," said Stoesz, referring to the cuts. "I had a pretty positive outlook on life and other guys don't have that. I'm wondering how many guys gave up, how many guys have committed suicide because of this?"
Stoesz on Friday told CTV that National Defence has put him "under a gag order" and he is "under investigation" for speaking out.
He could face two charges -- conduct unbecoming, or disobeying lawful command. The penalties range from a fine up to $800, time in a military jail, or both.
"This is psychologically devastating for any solider to be muzzled by the very organization that he's willing to die for 24 hours a day," military advocate Sean Bruyea said. "It sends a horrible message of disrespect and indignity to these gentlemen."
In another surprise move, National Defence backpedalled on its plans to make the cuts, with officials saying the cuts are only being considered for now.
"It's more an advisement there may be changes. It's not a hard determination of changes. It remains under reviews, and we're going to continue to study it going forward," said Rear Admiral Andrew Smith, chief of military personnel.
The union representing military medical professionals said the cuts will mean closing the Deployment Health Unit, a unit charged with monitoring the mental health of soldiers.
Also on the chopping block are a host of civilian jobs, including cooks, secretaries, weapons technicians and mechanics.
According to the union, the proposed cuts include:
the closing of DND's Deployment Health Unit, eliminating four jobs including those of suicide prevention specialists -- one of whom is the co-chair of the Canadian Forces Expert Panel on Suicide Prevention
15 of 25 jobs in the unit overseeing the issues of soldier suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder
the closure of a trial injury surveillance program at CFB Valcartier
8 of 18 DND epidemiology experts, including the experts who analyze soldiers' mental health issues
Original Article
Source: CTV
Author: ctv staff
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