The Right Honourable Mark Carney

Prime Minister of Canada

Dear Prime Minister Carney,

I am writing to share our recent paper, "The Waiting War," and to propose critical criteria for selecting the next Deputy Minister at Veterans Affairs Canada.

Our research reveals systemic failures that demand immediate, transformative action. The reforms we've identified cannot succeed without exceptional leadership—specifically, a Deputy Minister equipped to fundamentally reshape a broken system.

I respectfully urge two essential measures:

1. Appoint a transformational leader from outside traditional government channels.
We need a Deputy Minister with demonstrated C-suite experience overhauling dysfunctional systems in large, complex organizations. The current challenges require expertise that extends beyond conventional public service experience.
2. Include veteran voices in the selection process.
I strongly recommend placing at least two veterans—individuals who have directly navigated VAC's current system—on the selection committee. Their lived experience is invaluable in identifying the leadership qualities needed to serve those who served Canada.

Our veterans have endured these failures for too long. They deserve leadership capable of delivering real change, not incremental adjustments.

I have attached "The Waiting War" for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss these recommendations at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully,

James P. Hutton, rmc, CD, BSc, MSc, MBA

Commander (ret'd)

Director, Veterans with Cancer Inc.

website: www.VeteransWithCancer.com

email: Veteran@VeteransWithCancer.com

cell: (519) 374-4081

voicemail: (226) 664-1672

Our Letter: The Waiting War, How Canada's Veterans Affairs System Fails Those Who Served