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Gregory Lick has been named as the interim Ombudsperson for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Gary Walbourne, who served as ombudsperson since 2014, is leaving.

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“With over 30 years in the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), Mr. Lick has served onboard CCG icebreakers and search and rescue vessels, and has worked on the development of the shipbuilding procurement and fleet renewal strategies,” the news release from the Department of National Defence noted.

“Mr. Lick’s extensive experience in the Government of Canada and leadership in the Canadian Coast Guard will serve DND employees and CAF members well,” Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said in a statement. I would also like to extend my thanks to Mr. Walbourne for his service as DND/CAF Ombudsperson.”

Walbourne gained a reputation as an ombudsman who didn’t hesitate to speak out. He had a distinguished career in the public service of Canada. In 2011, he joined the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO) as Executive Director Operations and Deputy Ombudsman. Prior to the OVO, he served as Director General Executive Secretariat at Fisheries and Oceans Canada where Walbourne was accountable for coordination of Parliamentary Affairs, Access to Information and Privacy, and Ministerial Correspondence. Before joining DFO, Walbourne was the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Shared Support Services at the Department of National Defence.

Lick will serve as the interim ombudsperson starting November 1 for a term of up to eight months or until a new Ombudsperson is appointed.

A selection process is underway to select a new ombudsperson for a term of five years. The ombudsperson investigates complaints and serves as a neutral third party on matters related to the Department and the Canadian Armed Forces and the welfare of its members and employees, according to the news release.