From: barrylw11@hotmail.com To: cheryl.gallant.a1@parl.gc.ca; gallant.c@parl.gc.ca; gallac0@parl.gc.

ca Subject: JPSU Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 13:32:36 -0400 Cheryl Hello As I write this I am 100% civilian on what is called an annuitant break - it's a component of being in the Primary Reserves that takes some getting used to after some 27 years in the Regular Force.

I'm writing to let you know of a development at my military job that troubles me; it concerns cronyism and conflict of interest at my unit and it's something that I've recently tried to address internally. I have found that this is a difficult issue to tackle, especially if it concerns senior officers and you're an enlisted fellow like me. Nonetheless, I gave it a try and received a veiled threat of dismissal from my immediate Chain Of Command in Petawawa (CoC) for my efforts. While these threats were delivered to me verbally (over the phone) I responded to them in writing by emailing the JPSU CO directly (I've forwarded a redacted copy below). The day following my emailed response, I received another call from my local CoC reassuring me that I still had a job waiting on my return from my annuitant break and that my senior CoC wished to talk to me when I got back in the office. (It was also passed on to me that the first inclination of the CO was to fire me immediately.)

When I do broach this subject to my senior CoC, I will request to do so face-to-face at which time I will table my concerns in detail. I have faith that my superiors will do the appropriate thing and perhaps even by now they have called in someone independent from the unit to have a look at the situation. This I believe would be the most prudent response, but as mentioned I'm a civilian at the moment and am not privy to what is taking place.

Although I need a job, I'm more than willing to face dismissal for addressing this issue rather than to let it slide, continue or perhaps even escalate. I made this point of view very clear to my local CoC when they called to let me know my career was in jeopardy. In fact I was not surprised that this happened, and I had discussed the possibility of being dismissed with by better-half (Rose) before I sent the original mail. We both agreed it was better to bring forward these concerns and be unemployed, rather than be silent and retain my job.

I realize you don't know me that well, but I'm a big believer in fairness and due process, this is especially with a unit as important as the JPSU - we need the best people we can get. I am new to the Reserves and am not familiar to the type of environment where the hiring of friends/relatives may take precedence over getting the best person for the job - maybe it is an accepted practice, but if so it is one I dislike intensely. I've found that when there is favoritism

and cronyism in the workplace, it is a very difficult environment in which to function - it makes you more defensive and apprehensive than if it were a fair playing field.

Just to be clear Cheryl, this is not intended a whistleblower type of an email and I've no intentions of going public; I know how much you support our troops and thought you may find it of interest however if you have any suggestions or advice I would be happy to hear them. If you desire, I can keep you appraised as I try to sort this out. (Also please forgive the multiple email addresses - I'm not sure which one is valid so I used them all) Regards... Barry Westholm