Canadians have many reasons to show gratitude to our Veterans. Their sacrifice has helped us enjoy the lives we live today. They've helped establish and maintain peace around the world. Recognizing these contributions, many Canadians dedicate time and effort to commemorate Veterans and their service.
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to the following Ontario residents in recognition of their contributions in service to Canada's Veterans:
- Sergeant (Ret'd) Christopher Banks, Brampton, ON
- Sergeant Katherine Ferris, Aylmer, ON
- Warrant Officer (Ret'd) Robert Barrie Jack, Owen Sound, ON
- Lieutenant(N) Jean-Marc Leblond, Bonfield, ON
- René Laquerre, Toronto, ON
- Neala A. Taylor, New Hamburg, ON
- Major Andréa Villeneuve, Timmins, ON
- Sergeant Coogan J. Wilson, Mississauga, ON
- Corporal (Ret'd) Donald Young, Owen Sound, ON
Each year since its creation in 2001, the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation has been awarded to deserving Canadians who have improved the care and well-being of our Veterans or honoured the sacrifices they have made. Close to 1,200 individuals from across provinces and territories have been awarded the Commendation over the past two decades.
