London, Ontario
A highly respected authority on veterans issues, Dr. Neary has studied extensively the legacy of Canadian war veterans and the programs of Veterans Affairs Canada. In 2001, he was named Chair of the Veterans Affairs Canada Canadian Forces Advisory Council (VAC-CFAC). Under his leadership, the VAC-CFAC has raised awareness of the urgent needs of CF veterans and made the case for the creation of a modern-day Veterans Charter. The Council's March 2004 publications Honouring Canada's Commitment: "Opportunity with Security" for Canadian Forces Veterans and Their Families in the 21st Century and The Origins and Evolution of Veterans Benefits in Canada, 1914-2004 pointed the way towards a new era of veterans benefits in Canada. Dr. Neary is committed to preserving for future generations the stories of how veterans, through their service and sacrifice, have shaped the destiny of Canada. During his long career at The University of Western Ontario, as Professor of History and, from 1995-2002, Dean of Social Science, he has given priority to the study of veterans affairs. His many publications include The Good Fight: Canadians and World War II (Toronto, 1995) and The Veterans Charter and Post-World War II Canada (Montreal & Kingston, 1998).