24 March 2026
13:00 – 16:00 (ET)
Virtual via Microsoft Teams
Service Excellence and Transition Advisory Group members
- Julia-Joseph Burke, CD
- Dr. Darryl Cathcart (co-chair)
- Corporal (Retired) Sylvain Chartrand, Canadian Veterans Advocacy
- Deanna Fimrite, Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada
- Steve Graham, RCMP Veterans’ Association
- Warrant Officer (Retired) Jessica Hewett (co-chair)
- Master Warrant Officer (Retired) Michael Hogan
- Master Warrant Officer (Retired) Floyd Powder, Métis Veteran Council
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) officials
- Nathalie Pham, Director General, Field Operations
- Kristy McGuigan, Senior Analyst, Community Engagement
- Elizabeth Hughes, Project Officer, Community Engagement
- Megan MacKinnon, Program Operations Assistant, Community Engagement
Observer
- Laura Kelly, Office of the Veterans Ombud
Regrets
- Lieutenant Colonel Michael Draho, Liaison Officer to Veterans Affairs Canada, Canadian Armed Forces
- Lieutenant (Retired) Carolyn Hughes, Royal Canadian Legion
Land acknowledgement and welcome remarks
The VAC co-chair welcomed attendees and thanked members for their time and participation. She then delivered a land acknowledgement.
Review of previous record of discussion
The VAC co-chair reviewed the 2 December 2025 record of discussion, which was accepted without comment and has been published on the website.
Recommendation discussion and vote
A member co-chair lead the group’s review of the six previously proposed recommendations, guiding a comprehensive discussion. Members examined each recommendation in detail, offering feedback, clarifying intent, and identifying opportunities for refinement. The discussion reflected a commitment to ensuring the recommendations were clear, actionable, and aligned with the group’s mandate.
Three recommendations were presented and approved by a majority vote, while the remaining three recommendations were identified as requiring further refinement prior to voting. Two sub-groups were established to revise and strengthen the outstanding recommendations. The advisory group will reconvene for a one-hour meeting to review the revised recommendations and proceed to a vote.
Round table discussion / remarks
The VAC co-chair led a round table discussion where members highlighted the following key points during the discussion:
- A request for regular updates from VAC on the status of the group’s recommendations to understand their impact, value of their work and to inform future recommendations.
- Appreciation for the collaborative review process, including the opportunity to share diverse perspectives and engage in constructive discussion.
Closing remarks and Next steps
The VAC co-chair thanked members for their valuable contributions to the development of the recommendations and for ongoing commitment to the group. The group agreed to reconvene mid-April to finalize the remaining recommendations.
Meeting adjourned.