Then do something for African Nova Scotians like Wally Fowler a Canadian Veteran who was subjected to Racial Discrimination (and his entire family) while he served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Lies/Coverup and Racism Blatantly Demonstrated Against Minority Veterans Dear Mr. Karygiannis, Thank you for your reply and I shall respond accordingly. I along with several others have taken up the cause to ensure that Minorities in the CF, indeed the Federal as well as the Provincial Government are treated with dignity and respect. Regrettably, this has been a rather futile endeavor as it has come to our attention that there isnt a single shred of political will to affect change in this regard however. In this regard I would urge you to revisit the following Reference: Letter dated 25 December, 2013 addressed to MGen D.B. Millar, Chief of Military Personnel at National Defense Headquarters, Ottawa; specifically References T, S, J, I and U respectively: No doubt your are now familiar with reference T which states in part: Colonel D.R. Boddam a military Psychiatrist diagnosed Private Wallace J. Fowler with Major Depressive Disorder, Racial Abuse, PTSD etc., in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statical Manual (DSM -1V), Moreover, Colonel Boddam makes it perfectly clear that Private Fowler occasioned all of the above Psychological Disorders as a direct consequence of Racial Discrimination. Part of his comments are as follows: ... The history is reasonably well documented in Wallys most recent 2016 [Canadian Forces Medical Records], but essentially Wallys problem started as early as basic training, but really came to a head when he was in Esquimalt... Furthermore, at reference S, Ombudsman DND/CF File #04-0408 Pte. Wally Fowler Investigation Assessment dated December 2004 and addressed to MND, William Graham, MP (which we have already furnished you with as well) the Ombudsman of the day, Mr. Andre Marin, DND states in his assessment: Dear Minister: We have identified two Systemic issues that could be pursued further, the first being: what is the CF’s role and responsibility with respect to assisting with the integration of members and their dependents, specifically those that are visible minorities, into the community? The second issue concerns the CF’s policy with respect to independent or higher level review of harassment complaints and more specifically of [racism]. At present the existing policies are either [silent] or lacking in these two issues. At reference J, Dr. Keith Martin, MP Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca underlined the reality of the Racism and Discrimination Pte. Fowler and his family were subjected to as follows; however, it should be duly noted that this letter was addressed to General Raymond Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff and dated May 27, 2002 (this document was also CCd to Ombudsman, Andre Marin as well as Rear Admiral J.D. Fraser) which states in part: “…Private Fowler and his family have been subjected to repeated incidents of racial discrimination in Esquimalt. These incidents have escalated so much that the police have become involved. Private Fowler’s children have endured hardships at school and within the community due to their race. Private Fowler’s spouse has been victimized by racially motivated attacks, and has been harassed repeatedly in the community. Clearly, racial discrimination and these kinds of vicious attacks are completely and utterly unacceptable. Unfortunately there has been no way to control them, and Private Fowler has found no other recourse to his request and that is why I am approaching you to expedite it. Private Fowler does not want to leave the armed forces, and would just like to do his job... At reference I, Lieutenant-Commander D.F. Ohs BRT Chaplain CFB Esquimalt identifies the racism and discrimination that Pte. Fowler and his family are subjected in his letter ( 5110-1 (BRT CHAP) 3 July, 2002 addressed to ADM(HR-MIL) D MIL C, Career Mgr 933 Tfc Tech/881 Post Clk at NDHQ as follows: “…I am concerned with the well being of this family. They are not coping well with their present reality. Their trust level with the local community is non-existent and they are truly miserable…he has to go home at night, where he hears the daily plight of his family. This has an overwhelming affect on him and he feels helpless. My second concern is for the Canadian Forces itself. In the CF, we pride ourselves on fairness, duty, loyalty and honour, to name a few. We stand between warring factions, seeking peace and demand justice for people we don’t even know. All we know is that they are people in need; even visible minorities and we will go to extraordinary lengths to assist them, regardless of cost. This is what makes Canada a great and respected nation. Yet, for all of our good intentions, our national and world image could be deeply stained on just one accusation of failing to take care of one of our own families, facing [severe discrimination] (to them) because they are from a visible minority, and because “no one would listen to them”. If the member were to seek the assistance of his racial community, I believe that this could be perceived a national scandal.” At reference U and in an Email from Capt. Wong, D.H. to CWO Levesque, M.J. @ADM(HR-Mil) D Mil C 5 @ Ottawa-Hull sent June 24, 2002 6:19 pm – Subject: Re: Pte Fowler –QOL Posting request: Capt. D.H. Wong clearly underscores the Institutional Racism and Systemic Discrimination that he, Wally and many others routinely experience at that base as follows: At reference U, Capt. Wong clearly underscores the institutional racism and systemic discrimination that even he has experienced as follows: “Good Afternoon Chief: Yes, we have had people in similar circumstances from time to time. That is, we have in the past and do in the present, have members who are subjected to various forms of racial discrimination. I can count myself in that number. How do they handle it? Many just accept it as a fact of life and move on – they take the view that they aren’t going to change it so they just have to learn to lick their wounds and get on with life. Not an easy thing to do, and not a thing they should have to do. But what’s the alternative they ask, being miserable, living in isolation, denying one’s own cultural heritage and assimilate? Some do live in misery; they can often be seen as angry and aggressive, as anyone or anything subjected to constant torment, real or perceived, can eventually become. Some try to insulate themselves by isolating themselves from the outside, never going out of their homes, not even their own backyards sometimes. And then there are the others who try to assimilate, sometimes via physical efforts such as eliminating their accent or changing their appearance, other times mentally via the view they adopt. Others take it on and fight it, maybe even turn it into a crusade. They tend to be labeled “activist” by the mainstream culture, as if to say their cause or effort is simply making noise and undeserving of attention. In effect they are simply further marginalized for their efforts. Yet others seek a physical escape, moving to an area where they don’t perceive the racism to be as pervasive. They are sometimes labeled “quitters), having surrendered their rights to equality and “going back where they come from”. How many such people do we have here? I can’t give you a number. However, colleagues tell me that they have recently started to take notice and ask the question, and they are alarmed at the high number of people who are report having suffered instances of prejudice and discrimination. It has been a topic of discussion in a monthly meeting of civilian and military helping professionals, service providers and others having to do with personnel issues, and will continue to be in days ahead as we try to get a handle on it and decide what can/should be done. I don’t know how helpful this info is to you so let me try to be as concrete as I can; I imagine that is what you’re looking for. This case is not the only one we have dealt with where the member and /or family have been subjected to racial discrimination in the local community. Nor is it the worst in terms of the nature of the discrimination they have been subjected to. It is one of the bad ones though, haven’t had many where someone had a banana thrown at them from a passing car as the occupants yell profanities and racial slurs. In the cases that were worse the people involved either fought back as a matter of principle, aided sometimes by either military regulations/policy procedures or by the criminal justice system, or left town, either by soliciting a posting through normal channels or via release…” Mr. Karygiannis, these are only a few of the many examples of the Institutional Racism and Systemic Discrimination that we have already forwarded to you; meanwhile we do have many, many more examples in addition to the 25 you were given already. Therefore, that is precisely why we have chosen to provide you with undeniable evidence that is supported by Senior Military Officers who have all stated in no uncertain terms that they too abhor and could no longer with clear conscience abide the Racist and Discriminatory treatment Minorities have been habitually subjected while attempting to perform there duties. In fact, I can count myself in the number. Perhaps you could put in writing what you would like to talk about, if, this is not crystal clear to you. Indeed, we would welcome your comment. Accordingly, if you feel that you require further information we are more than willing to accommodate you in that specific regard. Moreover, should you require information regarding any concerns we have raised, we would encourage you to draft up your concerns and forward them to me. Let me indicate that I can assure you that we are willing to cooperate to the fullest. Presently, while you have indicated rather obtusely, that you would like to speak with me via my phone, may I suggest that you phrase any concerns or questions you may have and forward them to me via this medium. We trust that this may clarify any misapprehension that you may have had hitherto and we shall look forward to your continued cooperation in this very serious matter. Sincerely, Rubin A. Coward, CD On behalf of the Coalition for Minority Veterans
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 12:40:05 +0000
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