Getting Ronald Witzke to repay the Canadian Forces for his dental training has apparently been like pulling teeth.
Witzke, now a dentist in Russell, allegedly owes the military more than $104,000 after he failed to serve any time with the forces after completing his dentistry training.
Witzke's dental degree was paid for "at the public's expense through funds expended by the Forces for his education and training," according to a statement of claim filed last week in Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench.
The claim alleges that when the military allowed Witzke to leave the forces on Aug. 15, 2002, he signed a promissory note saying he would pay back the $82,376 it cost to put him through dental school, at $940 a month with 6.5 per cent interest.
Federal lawyer Brian Hay said on Tuesday that to date Witzke has failed to pay back a single penny, so the amount owing is now more than $104,000, including interest.
Witzke is currently on a sabbatical in New Zealand and could not be reached for comment.
A Canadian Forces spokesperson said no one could comment on the matter.
According to the claim, the military, under the Dental Officer Training Plan, will not only pay the cost of dental courses, but also give the officer full pay, allowances and other financial entitlements.
In return, a dental officer is required to serve two months for each month of training, to a maximum of 60 months.
Witzke joined the Forces' training plan in June 1999, and graduated as a dentist in July 2001. He immediately went on a leave without pay until he was released from the Forces in Aug. 2002 at his request without serving a single day with the Forces.
The statement of claim has not been proven in court and no statement of defence has been filed.
kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
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