OTTAWA, May 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Minister Fantino is pleased to announce the appointment of Leonard M. Hall of Langley, British Columbia, to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB or Board). Mr. Hall brings 31 years of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) service to his role as a member of the Board.
This appointment was made by the Governor in Council through the Board's merit-based selection process. With this appointment, Minister Fantino is continuing to honour the Government's commitment to appoint more members with military, policing and medical backgrounds to the Board.
Leonard M. Hall is appointed for a three-year term. Mr. Hall spent 31 years with the RCMP in law enforcement, police policy, and training and administration before retiring in 2009. Since then, he has designed an executive development program for the Canada Border Services Agency and is currently the president of a company that trains public safety officials internationally in ethics and decision-making. Mr. Hall holds a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Mary's University and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University.
VRAB provides Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and RCMP members, and their families, with an independent appeal program for disability benefits decisions made by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Quick Facts
- Half of the Board's members now have military, policing or medical experience (11 of 22 members).
- The last eight new members appointed to the Board have been CAF and RCMP Veterans, and one nurse.
- About 7 percent of applicants to the Board are RCMP Veterans or members.
- The Board's hearing process allows applicants to bring forward new evidence, give oral testimony and have supporting arguments presented on their behalf at hearings where no one argues against them.
Quotes
"Today's appointment to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board is another example of this government's commitment to supporting Canada's Veterans and their families. Leonard M. Hall's experience in the RCMP will help him make an important contribution to the Board's mission of resolving disability benefits appeals in a fair and timely manner."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"I am delighted that Mr. Hall has been appointed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans' Association is pleased with the government's efforts to increase the exposure of RCMP Veterans on the Veterans Review and Appeal Board."
Cal Small, President of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans' Association
Related Products
- Selection Criteria for Board Members
- Role of Board Members
- VRAB Quick Facts
- RCMP Veterans' Association
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Nicholas Bergamini
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Review and Appeal Board
902-566-8575
Share this article