Paralegal Student Secures Placement with Office of the Veterans Ombudsman

HLOs:

Congratulations to third-year Paralegal Studies student Jacob Castiglione, who has secured a competitive placement with the Government of Canada in the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO). The Veterans Ombud is appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada and serves as an advocate for the rights and well-being of Canadian veterans.

The aim of the OVO is to represent the voices of and to be a champion for Canadian Veterans. OVO has the role and responsibility to challenge the policies and decisions of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs Canada by bringing forward claims of veterans who have experienced individual and systemic unfairness while serving the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Jacob was introduced to Colonel (ret’d) Nishika Jardine, Veterans Ombud, by Professor Jasteena Dhillon. The connection was rooted in a shared commitment to advocacy, and Jacob’s interest in legal rights for veterans closely aligned with the mission of the OVO. His successful application has led to a summer 2025 placement, where he will contribute to legal and case law research and support the Deputy Ombud and Legal Advisor by reviewing and summarizing incoming complaints.

“I am so proud of Jacob,” said Professor Jasteena Dhillon. “He has worked so hard to turn this introduction into an opportunity and now into a real concrete outcome—where he’ll be supporting our loyal Canadian veterans.”

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