27 February 2025
13:00 – 16:00 (ET)
Virtual – Microsoft Teams
Advisory Group Members (Families and Recognition)
- Amanda Anderson
- Caitlin Bailey, Vimy Foundation
- Andree Gracie
- Dr. Sean Graham, Directorate of History and Heritage, Department of National Defence
- Derrill Henderson, National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada and Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada
- Heather Hook
- Anne Hurtubise
- Robert Jardine
- Namita Joshi, True Patriot Love Foundation
- Tamara Kleinschmidt, Trenton Military Family Resource Centre
- Laryssa Lamrock
- Colonel (Retired) Telah Morrison
- Brian Prairie, Metis National Veterans Council
- Nora Spinks (co-chair)
- Lia Taha Cheng, Royal Canadian Legion
- Yvonne Watson
- Dr. Lee Windsor, University of New Brunswick, Gregg Centre
Canadian Armed Forces Representative
- Kara-Lee Casselman, Canadian Armed Forces
- Oliver Corona-Puente, Canadian Armed Forces
- Rodney Parcher, Canadian Armed Forces
Veterans Affairs Canada Officials
- Sylvie Thibodeau-Sealy, Director, Policy, Learning and Recognition, Commemoration Division
- Kristy McGuigan, Senior Analyst, Community Engagement
- Noah Ellis, Project Operations Assistant, Community Engagement
- Megan MacKinnon, Program Operations Assistant, Community Engagement
- Emily Prashad, Team Lead and Senior Communications Advisor, Communications Division
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
- Rachel Ohnona, Ontario Desk
- Yasmin Adania Veiga, Quebec Desk
Observer
- Jamie Morse, Office of the Veterans Ombudsman
Regrets
- Simon Coakeley (co-chair)
- Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Steven Deschamps
- Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Charles Gendron, Royal Canadian Legion
- Captain (Retired) Ray Kokkonen, Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association
- Superintendent (Retired) Dave LeBlanc, RCMP Veterans Association
- John Moses
Land acknowledgement, welcome and opening remarks
The VAC co-chair greeted all participants, extending a welcome to two new members. She began with a land acknowledgement, recognizing that she is joining this meeting from the traditional unceded territory of the Abegweit First Nation, a land that the Mi’kmaq community has called home for over 12,000 years. An overview of the agenda was shared.
Group discussion – Five Eyes countries' practices for recognizing families
The VAC co-chair initiated the discussion by exploring how the Five Eyes countries recognize military and Veteran families. She raised questions to the group on learning opportunities from other countries, identifying gaps, and exploring ideas that could be incorporated in Canada. The following observations were shared by the group:
- Within the broader community:
- Since some cities, provinces, and countries have great engagement with Military Family Appreciation Day, find a way to highlight leading examples to inspire other communities.
- National recognition for families could be improved by amplifying the work of community-based organizations that have established campaigns, such as Teal It Up.
- Greater collaboration with schools is needed to enhance education on Military and Veteran Families.
- Further explore the idea of a lapel pin, ribbon, or MV identifier on driver's licenses or health cards to recognize and honour Military and Veteran Families.
- Within the Military and Veteran community:
- Host an in-person gathering and enhanced recognition for Memorial Cross recipients.
- A coordinated campaign for family recognition – bring together Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Department of National Defence (DND), Military Family Resource Centres (MRFCs), and other related organizations – would improve communication, raise awareness, and strengthen the overall impact of recognizing Military Veteran Families.
- Principles for recognition
- Recognition efforts should include tangible support for families.
- Partner and collaborate with among MV departments, organizations and community groups wherever possible.
- Leverage existing events/programs and build on others’ successes.
- Respect existing Military and Veteran commemoration efforts (don’t detract from them).
Family Day progress update and discussion
The group engaged in a discussion regarding the concept of dedicating a day of recognition for families within Veterans’ Week or enhancing the existing Military Family Appreciation Day. During the discussion, it was noted that the concept of establishing a specific day to honour Military and Veteran Families within Veterans’ Week had been previously discussed within the group, and internal support was received. Further discussion led to a suggestion to potentially enhance the efforts of Military Family Appreciation Day, rather than introduce a new day during Veterans’ Week. There was a positive reception among members regarding the idea of organizing an in-person gathering to recognize recipients of the Memorial Cross.
Group discussion
The group received a presentation based on the Atlas Institute Family Summit 2025 report. The report captures the feedback from the post-event survey. The survey included the question: “What else do you think needs to be done to recognize the experiences of Canadian Veteran Families?” The top themes identified through the survey were raising awareness and advocacy, as well as increasing access to support for families. The group found the insights valuable for their ongoing discussions and future recommendations.
The member co-chair led a discussion by posing the question…thinking about the Recognition of Military and Veteran Families how would you complete the phrase “Wouldn’t it be great if...?” Each member had a chance to express their thoughts in response. Some of the responses shared were:
- National recognition was ensured for Military Veteran Families and Memorial Cross recipients.
- Recognition was built into the system from the outset, removing the need for ongoing advocacy.
- More opportunities existed for the group to meet and collaborate.
- Family members felt heard and understood.
- Canada was seen as a global leader in recognizing military families.
- Surviving family members were recognized as a distinct client group with access to mental health care in their own right.
- The group’s efforts were taken seriously at all levels of government.
- Veterans and their families were made fully aware of the supports available to them.
Closing remarks and next steps
The member co-chair provided closing remarks and thanked the group for their participation in today’s meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for May 2025.