Dave McKay Service Officer
serviceofficer@rcl285.ca

Dave,

Congratulations on your position as Legion Service Officer. I have had dealings with Mike Burgess in the past. I would like to inform you of our experiences with VAC/BPA/VRAB. I was a Horton Road member, but I'm far to ill to get out of the house much.

Initially, I was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 cancer. I found out about many others in my trade and all other branches of service also were afflicted with cancer. Through Facebook posts and further research, I was able find out that we all had exposure to a chemical Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC). I applied, was denied, then with the help of others, I was approved full disability. Unfortunately, I'm dying as well as others, and spouses are exhausted caregivers.

We have formed an online and Facebook group that is gaining membership daily. See link: https://veteranswithcancer.com/. Additionally, we have been in contact with CF Health Services who are investigating statistics of a sample group to see if there is evidence of a Cancer Cluster. In the US is the Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. In Canada, there is nothing equivalent. Please review the Act.

We have requested with someone in authority at VAC/BPA/VRAB to have a meeting with us. Through our individual cases, we have compiled systemic issues that could help their organization and veterans alike. To date, we have been denied a meeting by VAC and BPA. They stated they don't do meetings, it's not in their mandate etc. We continue to write MP's, Ombudsmen, etc but to no avail. These are issues, with almost dying bed suggestions, that veterans and spouses want to bring forward to help us all.

I was successful in my appeal and I've signed a document sent by Mike Burgess to use my evidence to support other veterans claiming exposure to CTC. We are bringing this to your your attention as our goal is to spread the word as much as we can at this moment. The more pressure to bear on VAC, then we might get our systemic meeting. Perhaps you could influence Command to take an interest in our plight to improve VAC processes.

Thank You

   Randy

Randall (Randy) Hladun CD
Warrant Officer (ret'd)
www.veteranswithcancer.com

Email 285 Service Officer Dave McKay