Record of discussion - 4 October 2023

4 October 2023, 9:00 – 17:30 (AT)
In-Person, Room 300 - Learning Center, 132 Kent St., Charlottetown, PE and
Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Commemoration Advisory Group Members

  • Dr. Steve Harris, Directorate of History and Heritage, Department of National Defence
  • Captain (Retired) Ray Kokkonen, Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association
  • Major (Retired) Gerry Wharton, Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada
  • Dr. Lee Windsor, University of New Brunswick, Gregg Centre (Co-Chair)
  • Andree Gracie
  • Derrill Henderson, National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada and Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada
  • Caitlin Bailey, Vimy Foundation
  • John Moses
  • Anne Hurtubise
  • Simon Coakeley
  • Robert Jardine

Canadian Armed Forces Representative

  • Lieutenant Colonel Wallace Noseworthy, Canadian Joint Operations Command, Canadian Armed Forces

Guests

  • Greg Mitchell, Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (PK75)

Veterans Affairs Canada Officials

  • Paul Thomson, Director General, Commemoration Division (Co-Chair)
  • Sylvie Thibodeau-Sealy, Director, Policy, Learning and Recognition, Commemoration Division
  • Rob Walker, Special Projects Advisor, Policy Learning and Recognition, Commemoration Division
  • John Desrosiers, Director, European Operations
  • Amanda Brazeau, Director, Commemoration
  • Amanda Kelly, National Program Manager, Commemoration Division
  • Jennifer MacLeod, National Program Manager, Overseas Events and Ceremonies
  • Gianna Inglese, Director, Public Affairs
  • Noah Ellis, Program Operations Assistant, Engagement and Events
  • Elizabeth Hughes, Project Officer, Engagement and Events

Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs

  • Sarah Cozzi, Director of Policy, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs

Regrets

Jamie Morse, Office of the Veterans Ombud

Welcome and Opening Remarks

The VAC Co-Chair opened the meeting with a warm welcome, thanked everyone for joining in-person and virtually, and shared that he was looking forward to a great discussion of topics of the advisory group. Roundtable introductions were made and Dr. Steve Harris announced his retirement effective December 2023. Congratulatory comments for his ongoing involvement and expertise in this group, and best wishes were made by the members.

Land Acknowledgement

The VAC Co-Chair offered a land acknowledgement recognizing that we are all on the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq First Nation covered by the historic Treaties of Peace and Friendship.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites and International Operations Update

The VAC Co-Chair along with John Moses led the discussion on the designation of three VAC approved sites to be added to the World Heritage List. The project had been on hold but is now moving forward in 2023. Discussions on next phase include looking at a communications plan to attract new visitors to VAC sites and to enhance visitor experience, both in-person and virtually. Many CAG members emphasized the value of virtual tools and apps based on experiences with their unique constituents and projects.

Veterans’ Week 2024

VAC presented on Veterans’ Week 2024, which highlighted the key theme ‘In the Service of Peace’. The year 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping. Various lead up activities to the week include a Veterans’ Week poster launch, learning materials and communications strategy launch. A robust discussion was held among group members on outreach strategies in schools, education materials and overall interest held on this week. Members offered recommendations for reaching new audiences and linking with partner organization outputs, especially surrounding Indigenous and marginalized veterans issues. A thoughtful discussion was also held on a Veteran Open-Mic event scheduled in Charlottetown, PE with a focus on music and music therapy.

Newfoundland Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A very informational discussion with the group was held over this event, including a ceremony to be held in France in late May, and one in Newfoundland on 1 July 2024. Some logistical questions were brought to the group including delegate attendees and timelines. A lot of work on this remains ahead, but the event is on track, with approximately 90% of the international planning complete. The remains will be lying in state in Newfoundland for several days, for viewing by the public.

Swiss Air Commemorative Event Debrief

Amanda Brazeau, VAC Director of Commemoration, led this discussion and presented photographs from the Swiss Air Commemorative event including the signature candlelight ceremony at the Bayswater memorial, the memorial at Peggy’s Cove, and the day of gratitude and recognition.

Three takeaways from the event include:

  • Before there is recognition and commemoration, there should be recognition of loss of life
  • Attend both of the memorial sites
  • To be given the space to talk, share and to meet those emotional needs is of utmost importance

During the event, VAC allowed for adjustments, space, and fluidity to meet emotional needs of participants. This commemorative event left a large impact on many, and was well received as evidenced by the various testimonials shared with VAC by Veterans, their families, and caregivers. CAG members discussed how lessons learned from this event may be applied to future domestic operations commemorative events and those that involve recent trauma and loss.

Invictus Games 2025

An Invictus Games 2025 presentation and discussion was led on this event, to be held 6-17 February, 2025 in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia. The games will include nine sports across six venues in the two host cities. The expectation is that over 500 competitors from up to 25 nations will compete in the first-ever hybrid games that will include adaptive winter sports. VAC and the Government of British Columbia are the founding funding parties for the Games, and in lead up to and during the Games, VAC will have a support program to ensure visibility with this key audience. Amanda discussed highlights from the Invictus Games held in Germany in September 2023, various statistics regarding the competitors and their support staff, and the honor that Canada was selected to host this event twice. She asked the group to consider ways how to keep people informed and continue engagement between the games.

Incorporating Commemorative and Recognition Programming: How to Recognize all CAF Operations?

VAC led a discussion that commemoration is about remembrance and recognition, and the overarching theme of ‘Canada Recognizes and Remembers’. CAF around the world operates on a five year cycle with the cycle consisting of Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and The America’s. A past approach to commemoration included looking at timelines of events to recognize, but a new approach could include the geography. A place could be easier to recognize and to remember, than a timeline; for an example CAF in Africa 2024. With the inclusivity of traditional Veterans with Modern day Veterans and with a geographical context, we could find more creative ways to talk about various events. Symbolism was also a topic of discussion with the group and for the group to think of responses to the question of ‘What does recognition look like in action going forward’? Discussion among VAC representatives and CAG members highlighted the value of sharing stories and experiences of modern Veterans and newcomer Canadians who were affected by conflicts during which CAF units deployed to assist.

Year of the Peacekeeping Veteran 2023 (Debrief PK75)

A discussion and presentation was led by Greg Mitchell and Ray Kokkonen of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association. The project includes three phases:

  • Phase 1 included Stories of Canadian Peacekeepers 1st Edition (including anecdotes, biographies and subject matter experts);
  • Phase 2- International Day of UN Peacekeepers (including two events held on 29 May 2023); and
  • Phase 3 included a 2nd Edition and Planned Education for Veterans’ Week 2023 (series of seminars to Canadian schools, social media dedicated PK75 website).

In conclusion to this discussion, Greg was offered many thanks for his work on this piece and key initiatives.

Roundtable Discussion

Minister’s Visit

The Honorable Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada and Associate Minister of National Defence joined the group at the end of the day. She thanked the group for allowing her to visit with them, and she wishes to meet all Advisory Group members in person. She thanked the group for all of the work that they have done, and continue to do. The Commemoration Advisory Group is one that is near and dear to her heart and she looks forward to working with the group, leaning on their advice and building new relationships. The group had a round table introduction to the Minister.

The Minister attended the 75th Dieppe Raid event as well as the 80th Anniversary as a member of Parliament, and recognizes we are doing well, but need to do a better job with Modern Day Veterans. The Minister gave a brief introduction on her background and prior to entering politics, she has a 23 year career with the RCMP. She advised was an honor to serve in this role with VAC and looks forward to collaboration and seeing the group all in person next time they meet.

Closing Remarks and Next Steps

  • The VAC Co-Chair thanked the group for joining together and for providing their valuable insight and contribution to the days events.
  • Future topics discussed include Overseas sites, Juno Beach Centre, Indigenous Veterans and equity-deserving groups, Oka, and discussions on the recognition of the service of Veterans who died by suicide.
  • The next meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
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