Saturday, April 5, 2014

Canadian troops told to zip it on leadership complaints if they want medical care

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/5/canadian-troops-told-zip-it-l
eadership-complaints-/


Canada's wounded warriors are now being told they cannot criticize military leadership if they want to receive medical treatment, a top Canadian newspaper reported Wednesday.

Injured troops are first being told they must sign a form that requires they do not discuss "your views on any military subject" and should not "write anything that might discourage others or make them dissatisfied with their conditions or their employment," The National Post reported.

A top Canadian military officer, Col. Gerry Blais, director of the nation's casualty support management, said the form is for troops' own good.

"The form is there more for the protection of the individuals because unfortunately there are occasions where people, especially when they are suffering from mental health issues, will make comments or become involved in discussions that, later on in the full light of day, they would probably prefer that they had not been involved," he told the Post.

"Mr. Blais said the form is aimed at cutting down comments on Facebook and Twitter, but when questioned by Canadian political leaders, admitted it could also curtail what troops say to the media."

Keep in mind that free speech isn't guaranteed in Canada to the degree it is in the USA. In fact, Canadians don't have many of the same rights that Americans are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. For example, you can't "lawyer up" in Canada. Even if you announce that you wish to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions, the police in Canada are still allowed to continue interrogating you. That is interesting fact, given that many young Canadians have come to assume they Do have such a right based on all the American TV crime dramas they have watched over the years.

By Epictetus

No comments:

Post a Comment