SPEAKING NOTES FOR __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

David DESJARDINS C.D. MCpl (Retired)

Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Ottawa
David Desjardins CD 11/8/2012

Speaking Notes

Meaningful employment!

Everyone has their own definition of meaningful employment, to some it may be a second career. While to others, it may be a part time position to get a person out of the house and interacting with others. For some of us, the term meaningful employment is the equivalent to any employment. Any means of supporting our families, trying to keep on top of bills, and, attempting despite all odds to keep a roof over our heads, food on our tables and to feel like a productive member of society. There are a number of able bodied people in expensive suits that will go on record to say that there are wonderful programs and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, especially those persons who have served in the Canadian Forces. Im here to ask those suits one simple thingshow me. Show me where these opportunities and jobs are. Im not asking for just myself, Im also asking for the hundreds of other disabled veterans across Canada who, like me, have submitted countless resumes to everyone from major national corporations to small family run businesses, only to be met with everything from physical requirements not listed in the job posting to preconceived notions and shear prejudice despite the Employment Equity Act.

In the past, Ive spoken, in the role of educator to different Human Resource personnel, where, I start the lecture with a simple observation exercise. Because I have limited mobility, and am able to stand for short periods, I am usually leaning on a table, desk or podium prior to the groups arrival. Once everyone is seated, I introduce myself give a brief background consisting of my military history, and qualifications, then ask the audience to describe me in their own words. Answers vary from, Caucasian male, 6 feet tall, 40 -45 years old, short hair etc I then ask them, based on my previous verbal resume, my potential for employment in the private sector, which generally yields very favorable results, after all, who doesnt want to hire a veteran? Once this exercise is complete, I have them to close their eyes and to keep them closed until instructed to open them. Followed by some lame joke about David Copperfield and white elephants, while my wheelchair is brought into the room and I take my seat. When everyone opens their eyes, I conduct the same exercise. Describe me! I have yet to have anyone say; six foot three Caucasian male and, new descriptors like wheelchair, disabled, and handicapped enter the description prior to any other physical characteristics. Ill then ask about those same job opportunities, some hands (very few) go up immediately. Other people look around, perhaps seeking peer approval, arms wavering up and down prior to making a commitment. While most hands remain firmly planted in their laps, on the desk, or, fidgeting uncomfortably with pen and paper. THERE, ladies and gentlemen lays the problem. Once a visible mobility aid is entered into the equation the wheels seem to immediately and unceremoniously fall off the cart and the comfort level, decays exponentially.

People, especially veterans, are not defined by our disabilities, we will not let them define us, as we are hard wired to overcome adversity, adapt, and carry on. Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN) seminars are full of companies chomping at the bit to hire ex-military personnel, yet in reality seem to be there for the sakes of appearance and public relations only; as I have spoken to numerous veterans, in particular NCMs, both able bodied and disabled that do not possess the required skills for employment within those companies despite extensive military training in the sought out field. When questioned further, a couple of recruiters from these major companies have stated that they are looking particularly for ex officers and senior staff, or quote leaders unquote. Where does that leave the non commissioned MCpls and below? This also clearly shows a lack of understanding in that leadership is not something that is automatically magically bestowed on an individual once theyve obtained a certain rank. We are trained to be leaders from day one of our military careers. Granted some are better than others, however rank has nothing to do with it. Priority hiring! Another catch phrase that gets tossed around like its a gift to the troops, until you read the fine print to find out that no one is obligated to provide employment to anyone and, it only gives you a tangible advantage if youre of equal qualifications to a civilian competing for the same position. Should they possess better qualifications, guess what? In a number of cases military training, outside leadership, and dedication have no civilian equivalent, and despite impressive resumes mean nothing to the private sector employer.

I personally have submitted numerous resumes for positions forwarded to me posted on the Canadian Forces Personnel Support and Family Services website, for such things as administrative positions to jobs as simple as cashier in their retail stores, only to be beat out by much younger, able bodied civilians, despite my, impressive military career. SO, I pose the question, wheres the priority, and whos priority is it, in Priority Hiring? Government endorsed programs such as Helmets to Hardhats are a wonderful resource to someone without physical limitations, but for those of us who cant run up a flight of stairs, build a house, or work an oil rig, what recourse do we have? Re-education falls short, due to funding, availability, or not meeting the required criteria for funding through the current processes in place to allegedly to assist us. Ive been asked a number of times by civilians, what are you worried about? The government is supposed to take care of you, Veterans Affairs, SISIP?. Im here to tell you something ladies and gentlemen; I can fully understand how we have homeless veterans, when every week can be a struggle, families falling apart due to stress, veterans losing their homes due to clerical mistakes, bills piling up, and, a general sense of apathy from those who are employed to help us. Those that do help us are mysteriously transferred other departments, or let go completely, all the while our own government is spending millions of tax payers dollars in legal fees to fight against the veterans when all we want is what is rightfully, lawfully ours, and the opportunity to once again reintegrate back into society on our own merits. We are proud to have served our country; no one has the right to portray us as a burden on society.

We hear on a daily basis how our government is addressing the issues and patching the cracks that our veterans are falling through. But like any Band-Aid, patches fall off, or give way over time leaving the system right back to where it was. Sticking a finger in the hole in the dam will not fix the problem, and the way I see it, given the inconsistencies, coupled with the cuts in budget and manning to the organizations in place to aid us, there isnt enough plaster and glue in the world that will patch all the cracks were facing. The policies and procedures need to be modified in their entirety, and to take into account young veterans with disabilities that want to go back to work to support their families. I dont hold a PhD, BA, MA, Bs or any of other lofty titles. I have a CD which Im fiercely proud of. What Im not proud of however, is how our government officials and senior military leadership, can look directly into a camera, speak to the Canadian public, and preach about honoring our veterans at this time of year with implied conviction, when they have clearly turned their backs on us and continue to demonstrate this on a daily basis. You want me to truly believe? Present yourself front and center, look me in the eye and then tell me you really care.