Canada’s Defence Team
The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces are in the business of providing defence services at home and abroad to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Canadians, continental security, and international peace operations. Civilians of the Department of National Defence provide operational, departmental and regional support to the Canadian Forces.

Information services
Information Services Specialists play a vital role in informing Canadians about the Department of National Defence’s (DND) and the Canadian Forces’ contributions at home and abroad. They write and edit text for a variety of audiences and coordinate the graphic design of DND publications and websites. They also do communications research, analysis and planning, offer strategic communications advice, manage communications projects, deal with the media, develop public outreach programs and organize related events and exhibitions.

Hilary Crane used to have a job in advertising. As a result, she says: “I have a bit of a different outlook on things. I think that the people here appreciate that. They find it refreshing.” Now she brings her creative flair to writing speeches for clients in DND’s Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) organization. “What I like about my job is that I get to do a lot of different things”. She helps to produce a variety of print products, including fact sheets, brochures, briefing notes and articles for the internal newsletter. One of her recent assignments was to write a guide for new employees. In addition to these duties, she also does communications planning, organizes displays for special events and helps develop website content.

Hilary likes to hear the speeches she has written. ”You learn a lot about style and pace when you hear a written speech.” She also enjoys seeing her writing in published form. Her job is exciting. “There are actually products at the end of it,“ she says, “and that’s very satisfying.”

Hilary Crane, Communications Advisor

As an Information Services Specialist, Nicholas Girard creates and manages exhibitions and marketing projects to support DND’s National Special Events Program. His main responsibility is presenting displays that explain the role of the Canadian Forces. He hopes these will encourage people to join the Defence Team, which includes the Regular and Reserve components of the Canadian Forces and the civilian employees who work for the Department. He enjoys the entire process that goes into putting on an event – coming up with an idea for an exhibit, coordinating activities with other government departments and assembling the displays. While an event is on, Nicholas works long days, managing a team of exhibitors, troubleshooting any problems that occur and greeting the public. “I really like getting the word to people that stop to chat during these events” he says. From time to time, he calls on military and civilian personnel to talk about what they do for DND.

The exhibits are in different cities across the country and can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. A recent event he enjoyed was the Vancouver National Exhibition. For Nicholas, the bigger the project, the better.

Nicholas Girard, Communications Officer,
Exhibitions and Special Events