In April 2003, Mr. Jack Stagg was appointed Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Upon his appointment, Jack's energetic and visionary leadership was put to test with the realization that, six decades after the end of the Second World War, VAC had arrived at distinct crossroads in its evolution. While VAC had developed significant expertise in serving traditonal war Veterans over the years, the Department faced a new challenge: to better understand the needs of younger Canadian Forces (CF) Veterans and provide services to meet those needs. In his classic leadership style, Jack Stagg inspired, challenged and convinced stakeholders and policy makers to support his vision of improved service for our younger Veterans. The result was widespread support for a fundamental change in the way the Government of Canada treats its injured and discharged CF members. Aimed at helping younger Veterans successfully transition into civilian life through rehabilitation and reintegration programs, the new approach represents the most significant overhaul of programs and services for Canadian Veterans since the end of the Second World War and it stands as a model for other countries to follow.
Mr. Stagg's passion for Veterans and his trademark determination in garnering support resulted in the Government of Canada declaring 2005 the Year of the Veteran. A new wave of remembrance has been embraced by other federal government departments, the private sector, schools, municipalities and provincial governments, all have demonstrated the same enthusiasm in implementation that Jack invested in its initial declaration. During this momentous year which marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Mr. Stagg and his team led the Government-wide effort to make sure Canada never forgets. Major overseas events were organized including ceremonies in Italy, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Belgium and here, in Canada. His work has encouraged and inspired hundreds of thousands of Canadians and foreigners to celebrate our Veterans in their hometowns and in foreign battlefields where they once fought. A first-ever Aboriginal Spiritual Journey, to begin in late October, will take First Nations, Metis and Inuit Veterans to battlefields and cemeteries in France and Belgium where they will pay tribute to fallen warriors. Mr. Stagg also pursued the major restoration of the Canadian National Monument in Vimy, France and oversaw the creation of the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program to support commemoration in communities across Canada.