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Minister Blair Thanks Outgoing Ombudsman and Announces Interim Ombudsperson

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National Defence Minister Bill Blair expressed his gratitude to outgoing Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Ombudsman, Mr. Gregory A. Lick, for his dedicated service at an event last summer. Min. Blair then appointed Ms. Robyn Hynes as the new interim Ombudsperson.

The Minister of National defence thanked outgoing Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Ombudsman, Mr. Gregory A. Lick, for his dedicated service at an event last summer. Gregory Lick Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. (Ombudsman.forces.gc.ca).

Outgoing DND and CAF Ombudsman

“Mr. Lick has served the CAF, their families, and DND employees with distinction during his time as Ombudsman,” remarked Min. Blair. “His advice has been an important part of the government’s work to ensure defence team members are protected, respected, and empowered to serve. His commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability has allowed the voices of the defence community to be heard. I look forward to continuing this important work with Ms. Hynes over the coming months.”

According to the announcement, the Ombudsperson acts as a neutral and objective sounding board, mediator, investigator, and reporter on matters related to DND/CAF. Their job is to contribute to substantial and long-lasting improvements in the welfare of employees and members of the defence community. Lick assumed the role of Ombudsman for DND/CAF in November 2018.

Ms. Hynes has worked in support of the defence community for 16 years. She was the Director General of Operations for the Ombudsperson’s office. Above image: Robyn Hynes, courtesy of the DND/CAF Ombuds Office.

Interm Ombuds

Min. Blair said Ms. Hynes has worked in support of the defence community for 16 years. She was the Director General of Operations for the Ombudsperson’s office and began her one-year post as Interim Ombuds on July 2, 2024.

“With 10 years of experience as the Director General, Operations for the DND/CAF Ombudsman, I have had the privilege of meeting many members of the Defence community. In this role, I have gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and issues you face. I know how important it is to ensure that members and their families are treated fairly,” said Hynes in a statement.

She added, “I feel very fortunate to be part of an organization that is truly committed to making substantial and long-lasting improvements for the Defence community. I look forward to building on the work of the previous Ombudsman, Gregory Lick, and his predecessors. Members of the Defence community, I invite you to contact us if you feel you have been treated unfairly, need information, or are uncertain about how to deal with an issue. There are several complaint mechanisms and means of recourse available to you. As always, we are here to help.”

Office of the Ombudsperson

The Office of the Ombudsperson was created in 1998 with the goal to “increase DND/CAF openness and transparency, and to advocate for the fair treatment of concerns raised by DND personnel and CAF members’ families.”

In 2022–23, the General Investigations team within the Office of the Ombudsperson closed 133 files. Of these, 125 were related to the CAF and eight to the DND. The team also issued 53 recommendations, all of which were accepted by DND/CAF.

To contact the Ombudsperson, visit here.