Foster Griezic

Since 1987, Mr. Griezic has been offering his services free of charge as an advisor, academic researcher, negotiator and co-ordinator to Canada's wartime merchant service Veterans, establishing the Merchant Navy Coalition for Equality, to obtain legislative recognition of Merchant Seamen as War Veterans, and compensation from the Federal government on their behalf. His research presented before the House of Commons and Senate Committees, and his continued interventions with the media made generations of Canadians familiar with the accomplishments of the men and women who formed the lifeline from North America to Great Britain and other war zones. Mr. Griezic successfully advocated for war medals and benefits for Merchant Seamen; the inclusion of Merchant Navy representatives in military pilgrimages; and the right to represent themselves or select their own spokespersons in negotiating with the government. He helped bring the Merchant Navy Veterans before Commons committees, and as a result of his efforts, legislation was passed to give them Veteran status with the same criteria for accessing the same benefits as their Military comrades.

Mr. Griezic coordinated the establishment of a Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance in the Peace Tower, which was dedicated on November 11, 1994. Subsequently, Merchant Navy Veterans were included in the official Remembrance Day ceremony. Mr. Griezic also played a key role in achieving success in a number of initiatives on behalf of Merchant Navy Veterans. His interventions with the government on behalf of the Merchant Seamen led to official acknowledgment and recognition of the central role they played in the transport of supplies to the United Kingdom during the Second World War. To this day, Mr. Griezic continues to assist Merchant Navy Veterans and their spouses in obtaining proper benefits and care from the government.