Rehab contract sparks new fight between veterans and the Liberal government. Here’s why
Global News
The government is now facing calls to tear up the contract amid broader warnings from the union and its newfound allies about the privatization of veterans' care.
A multimillion-dollar contract between Ottawa and a private company around the provision of mental and physical health services for veterans is sparking a new fight between the Liberal government and Canada’s community of veterans.
The contract had already been heavily criticized by the union representing Veterans Affairs Canada employees, including hundreds of case managers charged with helping the most ill and injured recover from their service-related wounds.
But now others, including veterans and frontline health-care professionals, are also starting to speak up with questions and concerns about the deal.
Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay has repeatedly defended the $570-million contract with Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services, saying it will ultimately deliver better services to former service members.
Yet officials have also confirmed the rollout of the PCVRS’s services is taking longer than expected, with the second phase now delayed.
Officials say they are taking their time to get things right, but critics say the whole enterprise is in trouble.
PCVRS, which is a joint venture between Toronto-based private health-care company Lifemark Health Group and an Australian-owned job training firm known as WCG Services, referred questions to Veterans Affairs.
The government is now facing calls to tear up the contract amid broader warnings from the union and its newfound allies about the privatization of veterans’ care.
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