Well said, Erin. The current governments abysmal disregard of the military and national defense is nothing short of a disgrace. PM Trudeau has been nothing short of bad news for our armed forces, men and women who put their lives on the line to defend not just our democracy but other nations as well. They deserve our utmost respect and approbation.
Different times. Justifying the actions of the current PM by saying do-and-so was just as bad is not addressing the issues of today. Ukraine. Middle East. China. North Korea helping Russia in Ukraine with troops. U S demanding 2% of GDP from NATO members or the U S may walk away. Our arctic under threat. Harper may not have been great but Trudeau is worse in both exacerbating the funding problem (remember cancelling the fighter jet contracts and now reordering the SAME jets at astronomical cost increases and a decade too late is one example) and ignoring an increasingly militaristic world. It is the job of our zoom to do the best thing for our nation, not to whimper behind “ my predecessor wasn’t any better” excuses.
Bravo, indeed. Thank you sir for putting a positive and realistic human face on this very urgent situation that our armed forces are dealing with. I hope the incoming gov’t will snap to attention in significant ways to address the situation; It’s a big fix.
Interesting historical article. The CAF has and continues to be important for Canada. Most folks - unless they too were part of the military wouldn’t understand the training or pride in service. Leaders in this country have come and gone and that will continue. No doubt many individuals have political opinions, but shit-posting about the military or politicians is not unifying. An effective military is unified. An effective country is unified. Both recent political parties as governments have not had much focus on the military. As the global economic & therefore political climate changes, we as a country are stronger if we’re able adults rather than antisocial shit-posters.
Thank you for your long winded article. You put a lot of yourself in this one. Coming to the defence of our men and women in uniform is honouring them. I am the son of a career soldier. So I lived the life. Department of Defence used to advertise a logo, “There’s no life like it”. That was a true statement, for the person in uniform as well as his or hers family. Growing up on base as well as marching alongside of my father was defined as the son of a soldier. Our lives were military driven. Our pride was our military family and the history.
The Silent Struggle: A DND Fire Service Leader's Perspective - The Toll of a Toxic DND Fire Service
I've firsthand experienced the devastating impact of a toxic work environment within the DND Fire Service. Despite my best intentions to improve operational efficiency and employee morale, I was met with resistance, retaliation, and a lack of support from leadership and HR.
Systemic issues, including frequent leadership changes, union influence, and a culture of silence, have created a hostile environment for many. The union acted as a mafia.
Unfortunately, dedicated public servants are often undermined and their careers are derailed. The toll on mental health and professional reputation can be significant. Many of these issues have been known for years, with some officers witnessing the toxicity firsthand during their early careers as junior officers. Yet, even as they ascend to higher ranks in a certain case as a general, these problems persist, leaving victims to bear the brunt of the consequences.
For instance, I recall a specific incident where a talented colleague, driven to improve our emergency response protocols, was met with hostility and ultimately forced out of the department. He brought the idea of having a new fire service software and CAD to help managers do their administration better. This software would have helped us get data for data-driven decisions. The impact on their mental health was profound, leading to anxiety and depression. This is not an isolated case; I've witnessed similar patterns throughout my years working there. Even some people who did not work there anymore came to me and told me to be careful with certain people.
Moreover, the bureaucratic red tape and slow decision-making processes within the DND often hinder our ability to respond effectively to emergencies. This can lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness among firefighters who are eager to help but are constrained by bureaucratic hurdles.
Imagine a situation where you have a call and the crew chief decides not to respond because the ambulance is coming and they can keep sleeping. This not only jeopardizes public safety but also demoralizes the dedicated individuals who put their lives on the line. This happened, and nothing was done except a letter of intent which was finally taken out of the platoon chief's file after the union threatened the senior leadership. This shows good employees that we tolerate bad employees in our department.
It's a tragic reality that individuals who strive to make a positive impact can become victims of a system that seems designed to protect the status quo, regardless of the cost to individuals. Basically, leveling professional standards downwards.
Even when external opportunities arise, such as a head-hunter reaching out, the fear of potential retaliation and the damage done to one's reputation can make it difficult to pursue new avenues. Which is my case.
Studies have shown that toxic work environments lead to high turnover rates, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. The bad apple effect is at an all-time high in this fire hall. This not only impacts the DND Fire Service's operational effectiveness but also results in a significant loss of talent and experience. For me, going to work for the DND Fire Service was professional suicide. My career was impeccable as a city fire manager.
We need strong, ethical leadership that prioritizes employee well-being and fosters a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability. Thorough and impartial investigations into complaints of harassment, retaliation, and discrimination were conducted. But it was proven by the detectives that people were systematically coerced and lies were given.
It's time to break the silence and demand a DND Fire Service where firefighters can thrive, not just survive.
Too much time in the hall, not enough on calls… perspective as a former CAF member and current municipal Fire Service leader. The DND Fire Service should be closed and its Public Servant positions outsourced either to surrounding municipal departments (ie the CFB Kingston model) or turned into uniformed RCE/RCAF firefighters, bound by the Code of Service discipline, in CAF uniform.
Having enclaves of "quasi on duty" unionized civilian firefighters, sometimes in location with uniformed RCAF firefighters bound by different schedules and orders, is a failed HR experiment that's well past its useful life. It serves nothing but to breed conflict, discord and needless bureaucracy.
Let's demand an end to the wasteful and inefficient DND Fire Service when both uniformed RCE/RCAF and well trained municipal firefighters are available to do the job, more efficiently, with less bureaucracy and infighting, than the DND Fire Service brings to the bases it inhabits.
Thank for the story, sir. In defence of those poor troops out of step, I know how hard it is to march in step indoors with the drums echoing off the walls. Never mind if you’re outdoors and marching between two bands that are out of sync with each other!
I support the military. I’m grateful for their service!
This may sound unrelated but it’s not.
The Canadian government has pushed a fourth culture revolution, a war against its own people and they’ve attacked the military from within by appointing unqualified anti-Canadian woke leaders.
In the third cultural revolution, the Chinese culture revolution, they used woke propaganda, cancel culture propaganda, indoctrinated children with sexuality(critical gender theory) and critical race/class theory.
Our government is corrupted to the core. We need to drain our swamp, before it’s too late to save our country from the same fate as in the UK.
While I appreciate the first part of your military career, sounds similar to mine although I attended CFB Cornwallis in 1978 as a non-commissooned member. Your conclusion to try and shame me and those like me who are aghast at the lack of leadership and woke progression that is our current military is suffering under says a lot about your elite perch. You obviously know how bad it is!
Read the essay a little closer. Your beefs are about the Trudeau government or cultural issues in society and have virtually nothing to do with the reservists we saw marching in that video. I am on no elite perch and even that sounds like language from social media. I joined the CAF out of high school and feel it is a tremendous institution. Is it perfect, no. Does it not need some changes, yes. But the fact that people step up to serve their country is always worthy of respect.
As a child of the 60's I grew up being a committed peace-nik. Time and events have made me recognize my naivety. In short, I admire the military more than ever today. Thank-you very much for this article. Do they still have recruiters going into high schools?
Thanks Mark. It is easy to be frustrated, but I just want people to know that people stepping up to serve is still an admirable thing and we must make sure we show that in our posting. Your service is greatly appreciated.
Well said, Erin. The current governments abysmal disregard of the military and national defense is nothing short of a disgrace. PM Trudeau has been nothing short of bad news for our armed forces, men and women who put their lives on the line to defend not just our democracy but other nations as well. They deserve our utmost respect and approbation.
"PM Trudeau has been nothing short of bad news for our armed forces..."
Not that Stephen Harper's Conservatives were any better: https://www.dorchesterreview.ca/blogs/news/how-good-was-harper-for-defence
Different times. Justifying the actions of the current PM by saying do-and-so was just as bad is not addressing the issues of today. Ukraine. Middle East. China. North Korea helping Russia in Ukraine with troops. U S demanding 2% of GDP from NATO members or the U S may walk away. Our arctic under threat. Harper may not have been great but Trudeau is worse in both exacerbating the funding problem (remember cancelling the fighter jet contracts and now reordering the SAME jets at astronomical cost increases and a decade too late is one example) and ignoring an increasingly militaristic world. It is the job of our zoom to do the best thing for our nation, not to whimper behind “ my predecessor wasn’t any better” excuses.
Bravo, indeed. Thank you sir for putting a positive and realistic human face on this very urgent situation that our armed forces are dealing with. I hope the incoming gov’t will snap to attention in significant ways to address the situation; It’s a big fix.
What a great message - I too can recall (a few of) the Old Eighteen 🤣
Interesting historical article. The CAF has and continues to be important for Canada. Most folks - unless they too were part of the military wouldn’t understand the training or pride in service. Leaders in this country have come and gone and that will continue. No doubt many individuals have political opinions, but shit-posting about the military or politicians is not unifying. An effective military is unified. An effective country is unified. Both recent political parties as governments have not had much focus on the military. As the global economic & therefore political climate changes, we as a country are stronger if we’re able adults rather than antisocial shit-posters.
Thank you sir. You are sorely missed in public life.
True, so very true.
Truly an impressive essay, Erin. Thank you for this contribution to a better future for the CAF. Onwards.
A great and timely article.
Mr. O’Toole
Thank you for your long winded article. You put a lot of yourself in this one. Coming to the defence of our men and women in uniform is honouring them. I am the son of a career soldier. So I lived the life. Department of Defence used to advertise a logo, “There’s no life like it”. That was a true statement, for the person in uniform as well as his or hers family. Growing up on base as well as marching alongside of my father was defined as the son of a soldier. Our lives were military driven. Our pride was our military family and the history.
Military families are inspiring. They all serve. Thanks for sharing.
The Silent Struggle: A DND Fire Service Leader's Perspective - The Toll of a Toxic DND Fire Service
I've firsthand experienced the devastating impact of a toxic work environment within the DND Fire Service. Despite my best intentions to improve operational efficiency and employee morale, I was met with resistance, retaliation, and a lack of support from leadership and HR.
Systemic issues, including frequent leadership changes, union influence, and a culture of silence, have created a hostile environment for many. The union acted as a mafia.
Unfortunately, dedicated public servants are often undermined and their careers are derailed. The toll on mental health and professional reputation can be significant. Many of these issues have been known for years, with some officers witnessing the toxicity firsthand during their early careers as junior officers. Yet, even as they ascend to higher ranks in a certain case as a general, these problems persist, leaving victims to bear the brunt of the consequences.
For instance, I recall a specific incident where a talented colleague, driven to improve our emergency response protocols, was met with hostility and ultimately forced out of the department. He brought the idea of having a new fire service software and CAD to help managers do their administration better. This software would have helped us get data for data-driven decisions. The impact on their mental health was profound, leading to anxiety and depression. This is not an isolated case; I've witnessed similar patterns throughout my years working there. Even some people who did not work there anymore came to me and told me to be careful with certain people.
Moreover, the bureaucratic red tape and slow decision-making processes within the DND often hinder our ability to respond effectively to emergencies. This can lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness among firefighters who are eager to help but are constrained by bureaucratic hurdles.
Imagine a situation where you have a call and the crew chief decides not to respond because the ambulance is coming and they can keep sleeping. This not only jeopardizes public safety but also demoralizes the dedicated individuals who put their lives on the line. This happened, and nothing was done except a letter of intent which was finally taken out of the platoon chief's file after the union threatened the senior leadership. This shows good employees that we tolerate bad employees in our department.
It's a tragic reality that individuals who strive to make a positive impact can become victims of a system that seems designed to protect the status quo, regardless of the cost to individuals. Basically, leveling professional standards downwards.
Even when external opportunities arise, such as a head-hunter reaching out, the fear of potential retaliation and the damage done to one's reputation can make it difficult to pursue new avenues. Which is my case.
Studies have shown that toxic work environments lead to high turnover rates, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. The bad apple effect is at an all-time high in this fire hall. This not only impacts the DND Fire Service's operational effectiveness but also results in a significant loss of talent and experience. For me, going to work for the DND Fire Service was professional suicide. My career was impeccable as a city fire manager.
We need strong, ethical leadership that prioritizes employee well-being and fosters a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability. Thorough and impartial investigations into complaints of harassment, retaliation, and discrimination were conducted. But it was proven by the detectives that people were systematically coerced and lies were given.
It's time to break the silence and demand a DND Fire Service where firefighters can thrive, not just survive.
Too much time in the hall, not enough on calls… perspective as a former CAF member and current municipal Fire Service leader. The DND Fire Service should be closed and its Public Servant positions outsourced either to surrounding municipal departments (ie the CFB Kingston model) or turned into uniformed RCE/RCAF firefighters, bound by the Code of Service discipline, in CAF uniform.
Having enclaves of "quasi on duty" unionized civilian firefighters, sometimes in location with uniformed RCAF firefighters bound by different schedules and orders, is a failed HR experiment that's well past its useful life. It serves nothing but to breed conflict, discord and needless bureaucracy.
Let's demand an end to the wasteful and inefficient DND Fire Service when both uniformed RCE/RCAF and well trained municipal firefighters are available to do the job, more efficiently, with less bureaucracy and infighting, than the DND Fire Service brings to the bases it inhabits.
I love your comments Mark !!
What fire department are you now in Mark.
Thank for the story, sir. In defence of those poor troops out of step, I know how hard it is to march in step indoors with the drums echoing off the walls. Never mind if you’re outdoors and marching between two bands that are out of sync with each other!
Cheers
I support the military. I’m grateful for their service!
This may sound unrelated but it’s not.
The Canadian government has pushed a fourth culture revolution, a war against its own people and they’ve attacked the military from within by appointing unqualified anti-Canadian woke leaders.
In the third cultural revolution, the Chinese culture revolution, they used woke propaganda, cancel culture propaganda, indoctrinated children with sexuality(critical gender theory) and critical race/class theory.
Our government is corrupted to the core. We need to drain our swamp, before it’s too late to save our country from the same fate as in the UK.
While I appreciate the first part of your military career, sounds similar to mine although I attended CFB Cornwallis in 1978 as a non-commissooned member. Your conclusion to try and shame me and those like me who are aghast at the lack of leadership and woke progression that is our current military is suffering under says a lot about your elite perch. You obviously know how bad it is!
Read the essay a little closer. Your beefs are about the Trudeau government or cultural issues in society and have virtually nothing to do with the reservists we saw marching in that video. I am on no elite perch and even that sounds like language from social media. I joined the CAF out of high school and feel it is a tremendous institution. Is it perfect, no. Does it not need some changes, yes. But the fact that people step up to serve their country is always worthy of respect.
As a child of the 60's I grew up being a committed peace-nik. Time and events have made me recognize my naivety. In short, I admire the military more than ever today. Thank-you very much for this article. Do they still have recruiters going into high schools?
No. Recruiting is done independently, but cadet programs are a source of information and good programming for young people.
Yes the military deserves better. Meeting the NATO spending target is one of many items needed to get the Canadian military back to standards.
Nicely put, my friend. I have been guilty of tearing down and shitposting. Thanks for putting your thoughts down and giving us that perspective!
Good for you for owning this. Few people do.
Thanks Mark. It is easy to be frustrated, but I just want people to know that people stepping up to serve is still an admirable thing and we must make sure we show that in our posting. Your service is greatly appreciated.
Well stated sir!