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PSP RESOURCES
Personnel Support Program Service Standards
The Standing Committee on National Defence and Veteran Affairs (SCONDVA) report observed that personnel support programs and services are not comprehensive or consistent across the CF, particularly in areas affected by downsizing or base closures. CFPSA reviewed the level of PSP services offered across the CF, focusing on those locations where personnel are posted that are not bases. The study identified core PSP services, shortfalls in their delivery at each location, and solutions. It also included the cost of ensuring these essential services are available at each location. Funding was approved, and the program was implemented in 2001/2002.
Messes
The Messes Beyond 2000 (MB 2000) project was launched in June of 2000 as both a follow-up to the 1995 Mess Study and a response to SCONDVA. The aim of MB 2000 was to develop a plan to revitalize the mess ethos, improve the quality of mess business operations, and re-establish customer satisfaction with mess programs.
The MB 2000 project kicked-off with facilitated strategicplanning sessions for Environmental Working Groups (WGs). The WGs dealt with issues such as the importance of change, current business trends, altering demographics and attitudes, and the requirement for marketing and business plans. In order to address these issues, CFPSA is developing a business-planning tool and testing mess management software as part of the Customer Relationship Management Project. This information technology trial is currently being conducted at CFB Borden.
Deployment Support Programs
For CF personnel stationed world-wide, the PSP Division succeeded in providing a steady stream of products and deployment services to meet their unique needs. This culminated in a flurry of unforecasted support to Op Apollo towards the end of fiscal year 2001/02.
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| "...A FLURRY OF UNFORECASTED SUPPORT TO OP APOLLO TOWARDS THE END OF FISCAL YEAR 2001/02." |
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The Canadian Forces Radio and Television (CFRT) service expanded in Bosnia; four more ground stations were installed in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Sipivo and Glamoc. As a result, there are currently nine ground stations in Bosnia. The station in Coralici, which ceased to operate when the camp closed, was relocated to the observation post in Bihac. In addition to CFRT at deployed missions, financial support was provided so CFS Alert could access 24-hour satellite television for the first time.
With the initiation of Op Apollo late in fiscal year 2001/02, news and media services, along with a provision of sport, fitness, and mess equipment, was established at each of the three Canadian camps located in three different countries in the South West Asia region. Support also included funding for the Rest and Recreation (R&R) program.
The CFPSA Show Tour program provided entertainment to deployed forces stationed at CFS Alert, CFS Goose Bay, Eritrea, and Bosnia. Due to last minute operational requirements, the show tour—scheduled to take place in the Persian Gulf for HMCS Winnipeg—was cancelled. For the second year in a row, the Middle East Christmas show tour that was scheduled to visit Camp Ziouani in Israel and the Multi-National Force and Observers (MFO) in Egypt was not approved due to the high-threat level in Israel.
Since the CFPSA took over Operation Santa Claus (OSC) in 1998, the number of parcels distributed to deployed troops during the holiday season surpassed all previous years. In 2001/02:
- A total of 4,357 packages were distributed to 15 deployment locations.
- OSC parcels were sent to Her Majesty's Ships Toronto, Iroquois, Preserver, Halifax, and Charlottetown deployed during the War on Terrorism.
- Once again, 25 Canadian Forces Supply Depot (25 CFSD) and 3 Combat Support Group (3CSG) were instrumental in packaging and shipping OSC parcels.
- OSC gathered over 117,000 gift items, most of them donated, to make up the Christmas parcels.
- Estimated total value for OSC increased to $430,000 from $300,000 the previous year.
CFPSA Deployed Operations
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| "...DELIVERING IN-THEATRE WELFARE SERVICES WITH CIVILIAN STAFF IS SUCCESSFUL." |
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In September 2000, CFPSA employees in Ottawa assumed responsibility for the provision of welfare services to Task Force Bosnia-Herzegovina (TFBH) troops in Bosnia. These services include a Home Leave Travel Assistance (HLTA) program, a Rest and Recreation (R&R) program, warehouse and canteen services, and sports and fitness programs. CFPSA currently has 30 employees deployed to Bosnia. These employees work for the Commander Task Force Bosnia-Herzegovina.
To prepare our employees for duty in TFBH, the CFPSA conducts semi-annual training sessions in St. Jean. The session is two weeks long and includes a selection process. CFPSA has also added the following training sessions:
- An eight-day European-based training session for employees working in travel services to familiarize them with European travel opportunities.
- A two-day visit to NATEX, so CANEX personnel can familiarize themselves with the operation of TFBH’s primary supplier.
Reports from military authorities indicate that the approach of delivering in-theatre welfare services with civilian staff is successful. The CFPSA is presently working with these authorities to expand this program to other deployed missions.
Community Recreation
Recreation programs continue to be a vital quality-of-life issue in CF communities. Local programs and services expanded in fiscal year 2001/02, resulting in the hiring of additional recreation management staff at many locations. A successful biennial conference was held at ASU St. Jean in October 2000. The conference brought together recreation professionals from across the CF who shared success stories, received updates, and dealt with national recreation issues.
Youth Services
CFPSA is awaiting approval of funding to strengthen the delivery of youth programs and services at the local level. Several significant initiatives targeting CF youth have taken place during the past year including:
- Working with Director Military Family Services (DMFS) to provide an integrated approach to the delivery of youth programs and services.
- The formation of a working relationship between CFPSA and the CF Provost Marshal's office to sensitize Military Police to the concerns of youth, and develop effective ways of partnering with youth and youth advocates in the community.
- The introduction of a national initiative called "On the Move," a grass-roots recreational sports program designed to increase opportunities for non-active female youth.
- A National Youth Volunteer Awards program honouring youth leadership in military communities.
- A program to provide both computers and Internet services to youth centres across Canada.
PSP Construction
This fiscal year marks the completion of the public/NPF cofunded $162-million PSP Recapitalization Project. These funds improved or constructed 44 state-of-the-art facilities including gyms, arenas, and community centres at bases across Canada. Near the end of fiscal year 2001/02, $160 million in individual projects was dispensed. A further $800,000 is expected to be spent this year.
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| Halifax Community Centre | |
PSP Recapitalization Summary
MARCH 2002
COMPLETED (IN ORDER OF COMPLETION)
COMPLETED FY 2001/02
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