The VAC-Canadian Forces Advisory Council

Chair

Peter Neary, Ph.D.

Dr. Neary was born on Bell Island, Newfoundland. He is a graduate of Memorial University, Newfoundland, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, England. He joined the faculty of The University of Western Ontario in 1965 and served as Dean of the Faculty of Social Science at Western, 1995-2002. He was Chair of the Council of Ontario Deans of Arts and Science, 1999-2002, and was a member of the Western Board of Governors 1999-2003. In 1993, Dr. Neary was a Special Observer with the Canadian Delegation to the 48th General Assembly of the United Nations. Dr. Neary specializes in the history of Canada in the twentieth century. His publications cover topics in the history of Newfoundland, World War II, Canadian-American relations, and the history of medicine. Dr. Neary has been active in promoting recognition of the Veterans Charter by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Council Members

Academic, Research and Practitioner Community

Deborah Harrison, Ph.D.

Dr. Harrison is Professor of Sociology and Past Director of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at the University of New Brunswick. She is author of "The Limits of Liberalism: The Making of Canadian Sociology" (Black Rose, 1982), co-author of "No Life Like It: Military Wives in Canada"(Lorimer, 1994), author (with seven collaborators) of "The First Casualty: Violence Against Women in Canadian Military Communities" (Lorimer, 2002), and national coordinator of the research team whose report, "The Canadian Forces' Response to Woman Abuse in Military Families", was submitted to DND in 2000. Dr. Harrison is an external Associate of the York University Centre for International and Security Studies.

Greg Passey, CD, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Passey was born in Vancouver but has lived in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. He received his medical degree from the University of British Columbia in 1980, and specializes in trauma psychiatry. From 1993 to 1995, Dr. Passey was involved in research on the epidemiology of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in Canadian Forces Peacekeepers serving in the former Yugoslavia. In 1995, he received the Laughlin Fellowship from the American College of Psychiatrists for research and leadership in the field of Psychological Consequences of UN Peacekeeping. He retired from the military in September 2000 after 22 years of service and currently works in private practice and in the Outpatient Psychiatry Program at the Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre. He has been a presenter/speaker on post-traumatic stress disorder at numerous conferences and is actively involved in teaching professionals and the public about this disorder.

Vivienne Rowan, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Vivienne Rowan is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder/Military Operational Stress Injury and disability management. She is the Director of the Assiniboine Psychological Group and co-founder of the National Trauma Recovery and Rehabilitation Clinic involving a multi-disciplinary team of mental and physical health care specialists. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology specializing in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy from the University of Manitoba and the Medical College of Pennsylvania. She has provided consultative services to teaching and community hospitals including the Deer Lodge Centre. Dr. Rowan chairs the Transitions Services Committee on the Veterans Affairs Canada - Canadian Forces Advisory Council.

Professor Muriel Westmorland

Muriel Westmorland is an Associate Professor and former Associate Dean of the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. She is an Occupational Therapist with 36 years of experience in rehabilitation and has focussed on employment and disability in her clinical and research activities. Professor Westmorland's current research is in Disability Management in the workplace and she is also linked internationally to colleagues carrying out this work in Australia, Europe, Ireland and the US. Locally Professor Westmorland is the Chair of the Central West Health Planning Information Steering Committee and the Board of the Hamilton Association for Community Living. She is Chair of the VAC-CFAC Research Committee.

Retired Canadian Forces Community

Lieutenant-General Roméo A. Dallaire, OC, CMM, MSC, CD, LLD (Retired)

Lieutenant-General Roméo A. Dallaire was born in Denekamp, Holland, on 25 June 1946. He enrolled in the Canadian Army in 1964 after four years in the Cadets and the Reserves. He attended the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean and graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences in 1969 from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. He also attended the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College and the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Virginia.

Promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General on 3 July 1989, he assumed command of the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean. After studying at the British Higher Command and Staff Course, Camberly, United Kingdom in the spring of 1991, he was appointed Commander 5e Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada at Valcartier on 5 July 1991. He left Valcartier on 1 July 1993 to take command of the United Nations Observer Mission - Uganda and Rwanda (UNOMUR) and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), for which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross.

He was promoted to Major-General on 1 January 1994. From September 1994 to October 1995, he assumed simultaneously the positions of Deputy Commander of Land Force Command in St. Hubert and Commander of the 1st Canadian Division. On 2 June 1995, he was presented with "The Vimy Award" by the Conference of Defence Associations. On 20 October 1995, he assumed command of Land Force Quebec Area.

On 9 January 1996, he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal by the United States. On 2 July 1996, he assumed the position of Chief of Staff of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Personnel) Group. Promoted to Lieutenant-General, he assumed the duties of Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources-Military) in April 1998.

On 5 February 1999, Lieutenant-General Dallaire was appointed to the position of Special Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff on Officer Professional Development. His duties there dealt with matters regarding the Reform of the Officer Corps, including the General and Admiral Senior Executive branch, and its Professional Development into the future. He remained in this position until medically released from the Canadian Forces on 18 April 2000.

He remains on the Canadian Armed Forces Mental Health Project, as well as the Veterans Affairs Canada-Canadian Forces Advisory Council. He is a visiting lecturer to a number of Canadian and US universities and he has written several articles and chapters on Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Aid/Human Rights.

He is currently the Special Advisor to the Canadian International Development Agency on matters relating to War Affected Children around the world, and has published an internationally recognized book on the Rwanda genocide based on his experiences in and after the United Nations Mission to Rwanda in 1993-94. He is also Advisor for the Minister of National Defence on the professional development and the education of the members of the Canadian Forces.

He is a member of the Canadian War Museum Advisory Council, and he works with the Canadian Defence and Foreign Policy Institute.

He has been named Fellow of Ryerson Polytechnic and received a doctorate Honoris Causa from Sherbrooke University, University of Western Ontario, the Royal Military College of Canada, McMaster University, University College of Cape Breton, York University, University of Ottawa and St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.

He is the first recipient of the Aegis Award on Genocide Prevention from the United Kingdom and was recently awarded the "Arthur Kroeger College Award for Public Affairs" by Carlton University.

He was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada in October 2002 by the Governor General of Canada.

He and his family live in Quebec City.

Client Stakeholder Organizations

The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS)

The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada is Canada's oldest Veterans' association. Although the precise start-date is not clear, it is known that a charter was given in 1840 by Queen Victoria to create a unit in Montreal. The Association derives its name from those demobilized members of British left in Canada when their regiments returned to Britain. These men called themselves "The Army Veterans in Canada" in order to distinguish these former British soldiers from those serving in other colonies like Australia and South Africa. The "in Canada" is an integral part of the association's title, as they were incorporated by the Government of Canada in 1917 following the association's first national meeting in Winnipeg that year. During and following the Second World War, members of the Air Force were welcomed as members and the official title "The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada" was adopted by an amendment to the Act of Incorporation by Parliament in 1946.

The objectives of the Association are to unite fraternally in a non-partisan and non-sectarian body all those who have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces for good fellowship, mutual improvement, patriotic endeavour and service to Canada and the British Commonwealth. ANAVETS also strives to increase the public influence of Veterans in various ways, stimulate the spirit of patriotism promoting closer unity, maintaining clubs, homes and meeting places for the benefit of Veterans and members of Her Majesty's forces on duty, and to maintain museums.

Robert R. Cassels

Mr. Cassels was born in Toronto. He joined the Canadian Army in 1957, and served in Canada and Germany with the 1st and 2nd Battalion of "The Canadian Guards". Mr. Cassels served as President of Stratford Unit No. 261 of ANAVETS in Canada for 12 years. Mr. Cassels has been a member of ANAVETS Dominion Command since 1982 and has served on many Committees over the years. He started the Dominion Sports Program in 1984, the sports involved being darts and curling.
Mr. Cassels was elected Dominion President of ANAVETS on August 23, 1990 during the 150th anniversary year convention in Ottawa, Ontario and since 1994 has served as Dominion Vice-President and Finance Chairman. Bob Cassels was re-elected as Dominion President at the ANAVETS Convention in Regina, Saskatchewan, on August 9, 2000. For his many years of service to the Association and to Canada, he has received a number of awards such as ANAVETS Award of Merit, Order for Service, Life Membership, Past Dominion President, Past Unit President and the American Legion Friendship Award. Canada has honoured Bob Cassels with the Canadian Service Award and a bar for service outside of Canada, The Canada 125th Anniversary of Confederation Medal, the Queen's Silver Anniversary Medal, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. He is Chair of the VAC-CFAC Communication and Culture Committee.

The Royal Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion was started in response to the needs of the Veterans who returned from World War I and the spouses of those who did not. In 1925, different groups met to help the disabled, sick, aged and needy. These groups also wanted to have meeting places for Veterans. The following year, The Royal Canadian Legion was officially formed. The Legion became an advocate for improved pension legislation, returned soldiers insurance and help for those suffering from tuberculosis.

During World War II, The Legion provided canteens, entertainment, and reading material for the Veterans at home and abroad. Today, it continues its support of deployed forces as a major sponsor of military show tours and Operation Santa Claus. It is also a sponsor of the CF Sports Championships and provides the Most Valuable Player Awards for team championships. It also advocated supportive measures for returning overseas Veterans, such as financial compensation, clothing allowances, pensions, medical treatment, preference in the civil service, vocational training and other services.

To this day, The Legion continues to maintain a network of professional Service Officers helping Veterans, ex-service members and their dependants to secure the pensions and benefits to which they are entitled.

With more than 400,000 members, The Royal Canadian Legion is the largest Veterans'-based community service, not-for-profit organization, in the country. The Legion has assumed a major responsibility for perpetuating the tradition of Remembrance in Canada. It contributes millions of dollars and voluntary hours to help Canadians, particularly seniors and youth. With approximately 1,600 branches, including 17 in the United States, four in Germany, and one in the Netherlands, The Legion continues to fight on behalf of veterans and their dependants for better pensions and other well-earned benefits.

Lieutenant-General L.W.F. Cuppens, CMM, CD, LOM (Retired)

General Cuppens was born in Nijmegen, Netherlands. He enrolled in the Canadian Army in 1963 and served with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Canada and in Germany. Selected for pilot training in 1969, he underwent flying training in Canadian Forces Base Borden (Ontario), CFB Gimli (Manitoba) and CFB Rivers (Manitoba), earning his wings in 1970. After brief tours as an artillery air observation post pilot and as a pilot with 422 Squadron, General Cuppens was posted to 403 Squadron as a helicopter instructor/standards pilot. He completed the Canadian Forces Land Command and Staff College at Kingston in 1975. Promoted to Major, General Cuppens was assigned as a staff officer to 10 Tactical Air Group. After successfully completing the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College Course, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed to command 403 Squadron. Thereafter, he was posted to Air Command Headquarters as senior staff officer tactical helicopters and concurrently filled the position of senior staff officer, operations. On promotion to Colonel, he was appointed Deputy Commander, 10 Tactical Air Group. In March 1986, General Cuppens was appointed Chief of Liaison Services and Commander of the Canadian Contingent Multi-national Force and Observers in the Sinai. In 1987, he was appointed to National Defence Headquarters as the Director of Military Plans Coordination. In July 1989, he was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed Commander 10 Air Tactical Group. In 1992, General Cuppens was promoted to Major General and appointed Deputy Commander, Air Command. In 1994, he was assigned as Director of Combat Operations, North American Aerospace Defence Command - NORAD (J3). He was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Deputy Commander in Chief of NORAD in which position he retired from the Canadian Forces. General Cuppens is the Chairman of the Royal Canadian Legion's National Defence Committee. He is Chair of the VAC-CFAC Benefits and Services Committee.

The National Council of Veteran Associations (NCVA)

The National Council of Veterans Associations is an umbrella organization of some 46 distinct Veterans' associations formed to ensure an appropriate and independent voice in issues which are significant or of interest to the Veterans' community at large. In addition to NCVA's ongoing and continuing efforts to ensure that the Veterans' community receives the most effective services and entitlements possible, in recent years, the NCVA has been a leading voice and advocate in the cause of the Merchant Seamen and civilian groups who performed dangerous duties in close support of the military forces during wartime. NCVA has a diverse membership consisting of a range of member organizations who reflect the width and breadth of the Veteran constituency.

Brian N. Forbes, B.Comm., LL.B.

Brian Forbes holds the position of Honorary Secretary-General of the National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada. He has been the Association solicitor for The War Amputations of Canada since 1975. He is also a member of the the National Council of the War Amps and has been involved in the administration of many of the charitable programs of the Association. He has vast knowledge of Veterans legislation, gained through numerous contacts with Ministers and senior staff of Veterans Affairs Canada going back many years. He has extensive experience in making presentations to the various adjudicative tribunals and appellate bodies which govern the Pension Act and ancillary legislation dealing with the Veteran community. He has made a number of submissions to Parliamentary Committees, and on two occasions has taken successful appeals to the Federal Court of Canada which had significant relevance to the interpretation of the Pension Act as affecting the pension for seriously disabled Veterans outside of war zones, and a substantial expansion of the definition of "Exceptional Incapacity Allowance."

He graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1971, Magna Cum Laude, a recipient of the Law School Gold Medal. He is a founding partner (1973) of the Ottawa law firm of Forbes Singer Smith Shouldice. Much of his law practice is devoted to Veterans matters and to representing disabled individuals and more particularly, war amputees and civilian/child amputees.

The Air Force Association of Canada

The Air Force Association of Canada is comprised of 20,000 regular and associate members from across Canada who are air power advocates promoting a strong and viable Air Force for Canada. A majority of the members are RCAF and Air Force Veterans. There are 8,000 members-at-large, as well as approximately 12,000 regular and associate members, who belong to 74 Wings or chapters across Canada.

In addition to the advocacy program, Air Force Association members are active Veterans' advocates, who sponsor Air Cadet activities coast to coast, and carry out community and national programs that promote the heritage and current day activities of Canada's Air Force. The Association publishes "Airforce" magazine, Canada's leading military aerospace magazine. "Airforce" is distributed to members of both the Association and the active duty Air Force, and is sold on English-language news stands across Canada.

Major Bob Tracy, MSM, CD (Retired)

Major Bob Tracy, MSM, CD (Retired) joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1949 as an aircraft technician. Along with a handful of airmen, he was selected in 1953 to form the nucleus of the newly established RCAF public relations branch. Following specialist training with the U.S. Army in New York City as a photo-journalist and PR specialist, he served worldwide with the RCAF Air Transport Command.

After public relations duties with the RCAF Training Command, Air Transport Command and overseas, Bob was commissioned from the rank of Flight Sergeant and was appointed assistant editor of "Sentinel", the flagship Canadian Forces magazine, in 1969. He later became managing editor of the magazine before transferring to Headquarters NORAD in Colorado Springs, where, as CF Senior Public Affairs Officer in the United States, he carried out a wide range of international assignments before retirement in 1983. In 1991 he returned to Ottawa, Canada to accept his present position as Executive Director of the 20,000 member Air Force Association of Canada.

Proudly, Bob Tracy is founding member No. 1 of the Dodo Bird Club of retired RCAF flight sergeants. Their motto: "from Distinction to Extinction!"

The Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP)

In January 1986, a group of Canadian United Nations Veterans met in Toronto to establish the association. By 1989, the Association had the necessary permission for the use of both "United Nations" and "Canadian" in its title along with the authority to use the UN emblem as part of the Association identifier on lapel pins, blazer crests, hat badges, membership cards and stationery. Chapters have been formed in most regions of the country. The Association had a particular role in establishing the peacekeeping monument "Reconciliation" erected in Ottawa in 1992 as a tribute to Canadian peacekeepers after the award of the Nobel prize in 1988. Association members include serving and retired Canadian military, RCMP, and civilian Veterans of United Nations Peacekeeping missions, other non-UN missions established under UN Resolutions, and peacekeeping missions sanctioned by the Government of Canada. The association is open to serving and retired military members, police officers and civilian Peacekeepers.

The Association seeks to perpetuate the memories and deeds of comrades who lost their lives in defence of freedom; to co-operate with other Veteran's organizations having comparable aims and objects; to foster unity and comradeship among its Members; to establish regional and provincial bodies throughout Canada; to donate to schools and public libraries, literature on Canada's participation in the United Nations and in all International Peacekeeping Forces; to encourage, promote, engage in or support national, provincial and community services for charitable purposes; and, to raise and co-ordinate funds and to do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of its objectives. The Association is non-political and non-sectarian. See web-site www.Peacekeeper.ca/cavunp.html

Colonel Donald Stewart Ethell, OMM, OStJ, AOE, MSC, CD (Retired)

Colonel Don Ethell is a Veteran of over 38 years of service, including 14 peacekeeping tours and other secondments to the United Nations and other international organizations. Throughout the years, his tours of duty have included service in Germany, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Central America, and the Balkans. As the National Defence Headquarters Director of Peacekeeping Operations, Don's duties included the planning, preparation and implementation of all operational and logistic activities in support of Canadian Forces units deployed on international duty to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Namibia, and Central America. During the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf war, he served as the Deputy Force Commander/Chief of Staff with the Middle East-based Multi-national Force & Observers. His last tour of service in 1992-1993 was spent in the former Yugoslavia, where he served as Canada's Head of Mission for the European Community Military Mission Yugoslavia. Following his retirement in 1993, he served as CARE Canada's Security Adviser in Kenya and Somalia and, during the spring of 1994 served as the military advisor to Price Waterhouse's review of the Republic of Ireland's Defence Forces. As President of Ethell-Galli Consulting International Inc, Col Ethell was instrumental in winning all-up service-support contracts for all Special Forces elements (ie five services) of the USA. Colonel Ethell is the National President of the Canadian Association of Veterans of United Nations Peacekeepers (CAVUNP); Vice-Chairman of the Board Director of the Alzheimer's Society of Calgary; the President of the 'Friends of the Colonel Belcher Society'; and a Board Director for Calgary CrimeStoppers. He serves on the Veterans Affairs Canada-Canadian Forces Advisory Council, is the co-chair of the Operational Stress Injury Social Support Advisory Committee, and is a member of the DND/VAC ‘Centre' Advisory Committee. Additionally he is a member of the Royal Alberta United Services Institute, The Royal Canadian Legion, The ANAVETS and various regimental associations. Since the commencement of his retirement, Don has been and continues to be particularly active in pursuing issues regarding Canada's Veterans, including participating in issues associated with the construction and opening of Colonel Belcher Veterans Care Centre in Calgary. In addition to his military decorations, in November 2002 Colonel Ethell was selected as one of the first 25 recipients of the Minister of Veterans Affairs' Commendation. He is Chair of the VAC-CFAC Family Health and Well-being Committee.

Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA)

Based on its mandate "To Assist All Veterans and Their Families Re-establish to Civilian Life", the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA) has established a reputation for improving the quality of life and recognition of post WWII Veterans and their families.

Formed in 1991 and nationally incorporated in 1993, CPVA, with Chapters across the country, offers regular membership to the Canadian Forces veteran's community at large including currently serving members, regardless of terms of service either overseas and in Canada. Regular membership is also open to civilians and members of Police Forces who served in the pursuits of the Canadian Forces and the Government of Canada's foreign policies.

The organization's success in meeting the needs of Veterans and their families (regardless of organization affiliation) has been through their service work and educational programs. To facilitate the delivery of programs, its membership fosters partnerships and networks with Government agencies, service providers and other Veteran's organizations across the country. CPVA has been recognized for having made a difference for veterans.

CPVA's advocacy for recognition and benefits has been at the vanguard for the development of initiatives such as the VAC 1-800 assistance line, changes to the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder policy and Peer Support, the Veterans Affairs Canada - Canadian Forces Advisory Council as well as tangible care, treatment and re-establishment benefits for all.

With respect to recognition, the association played a major role in the establishment of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, the Seventh Book of Remembrance and August 9th as Peacekeeping Memorial Day across the country among other ongoing national and local initiatives in partnership with other veterans' organizations.

CPVA produces a quarterly newsletter entitled "The Blue Beret" to keep its members and service providers informed on issues of interest to post WW II Veterans and their families.

CPVA's success is built on its ability to meet Veterans and their families needs through collaborative partnerships and networks.

Harold O. Leduc, MMM, CD

An Active Service Veteran of the Canadian Forces with UN and NATO overseas service, Mr. Leduc has been a vigorous Veteran's advocate for several years. Since 1992, he has served with Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association, initially as its National Vice-President and Special Projects Officer and since 1999, as its National President. As part of his work with the Association, Mr. Leduc is a member of the Veterans Affairs Canada – Canadian Forces Advisory Council (VAC-CFAC), Chair of the VAC-CFAC Remembrance and Recognition Committee, the Advisory Committee to the DND-VAC Centre for the Support of Injured and Retired Members and Their Families, Veterans Affairs Canada Pacific Advisory Council and the Pacific Region Veterans Commemoration Committee. Mr. Leduc is also a member of The Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans of Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion, The Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Association, PPCLI Retired WO's and Sgts Club and the Canadian Airborne Forces Association among others. He also serves on the Board of Directors of numerous societies including the Veterans Care Society, Tillicum and Veterans Care Society, The Lodge at Broadmead and the Westshore Community Veterans and Seniors Housing Society.

In his work with the Association, he has been a lead partner on a number of initiatives including the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, the VAC 1-800 assistance line, and the VAC-CFAC. He has personally assisted many Veterans and their families in their re-establishment to civilian life. His leadership, dedication and passion to improve the quality of life and commemoration of service and sacrifice of post WWII Veterans and their families has been recognized on more than one occasion.

The Gulf War Veterans Association of Canada (GWVA)

The concept of the Gulf War Veterans Association of Canada was initially planned and developed in 1993 to study the effects of health problems being reported by Gulf War Veterans. In 1998, the GWVA was revamped to provide an Association that both recognized the Veterans' contribution to Canada's Commitment to world peace during the Persian Gulf War and also provide a network that would provide encouragement, advice, friendship and support. The Association also serves as an advocacy group to pursue Veteran rights, monitor health problems and unite Veterans of the Gulf War in these pursuits. The membership of the Association includes all members who served in the Persian Gulf prior to hostilities, war-time personnel and those personnel that were involved in follow-up action including blockade duties. Spouses and family members are also be eligible for membership.

The Association is democratic, non-sectarian and is not affiliated or connected directly or indirectly with any political party or organization. The Association stands for loyalty to the reigning sovereign and the principles of democratic and ordered government, for a national and united spirit, and for strong and united comradeship among all who have served in the military. The Association is an all-ranks organization insofar as its military or ex-military members are concerned and no member shall be entitled to precedence for any reason other than by virtue of elected standing in the Association. The objectives of the Association are: (1) to pursue Veterans rights for all who require it; (2) to work with other Veteran organizations in the attainment of their objectives; (3) to provide a network of support for all Gulf War Veterans and their families; (4) to promote and encourage citizenship among all Canadians; (5) to lobby the government to ensure proper health protection for all military personnel placed in harms way; and, (6) to advocate a proficient and well equipped military.

Robert J.J. (Bob) McKinnon, CD

Mr. McKinnon joined the Canadian Forces as an Air Frame Technician in July 1969. Following training he served in Chatham, New Brunswick on CF 101 Voodoo's and in 1978 at Moosejaw, Saskatchewan in the Helicopter SAR Unit. Promoted to Sergeant in 1985 he was posted to Germany for the stand up of the 439 Sqn with CF18's and in 1988 was promoted to Warrant Officer and posted to Cold Lake, Alberta for the 416 Sqn stand with CF18's. During the Persian Gulf War he served in Qatar with combined 416/439 Squadrons (Desert Cats) as "B" Shift WO from November 1990 to March 1991. In 1991, Mr McKinnon started a business in Cold Lake and retired from the military in 1992.

Mr. McKinnon became a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in 1971 and the RCAF Association in 1972 and filled various positions in local branches. He served as Building Planning Chairman, Vice President, and eventually the President of Branch #1 RCL West Germany after the expansion in 1986. On return to Canada in 1988, Mr. McKinnon became involved with the Air Force Association and once again did become the Planning Chairman and eventually President of the new 784 Wing, Cold Lake, Alberta. He was elected as Vice President Northern Alberta in 1986 and President of Alberta Group in 1999 and also became a National Director for the Air Force Association of Canada in 2000. He currently is the Immediate Past President Alberta Group AFAC. In 1997 Mr. McKinnon served on the National Commission for Gulf War Illness and during that period was asked to try and rebuild the failing Gulf War Veterans Association. He has served as National President since then and has a fully active Executive Council representing Gulf War Veterans from coast to coast. The GWVAC has a joint newsletter with DND and VAC covering health problems with a circulation of 1000.

Mr. McKinnon has been serving on the DND/VAC Centre for The Care of Retired and Injured Service Personnel Advisory Council since 1998, The Advisory Council for The Study for Cancer and Mortality in Gulf War Veterans since 1999 and has now served with the VAC-CFAC since November 2000.

The Organization of Spouses of Military Members

The organization of Spouses of Military Members was originally organized and incorporated in Alberta in 1984. It was incorporated nationally in 1989. The aim of the organization is to provide national support to spouses of military members - whether they are current spouses, former spouses or spouses of retired members. The Organization's biggest successes were successfully lobbying for the dental plan and credit splitting of CF pensions on marriage breakdown. They presented to the House of Commons and the Senate and the result was the Pension Benefits Division Act. They also had direct input into the Regulations made pursuant to the Act. The Organization acted as pioneers who lobbied for Resource Centres on CF bases and stations across the country. They have also produced brochures on pensions and benefits for separating spouses.

Lucie Laliberté

Ms. Laliberté is currently Legal Counsel to the Children's Aid Society of Hamilton-Wentworth. She is the co-author of an article for "Studies in Political Economy"; the co-author of "No Life Like It: Military Wives in Canada" (1994), and participated in the National Report re: "Military's Response to Woman Abuse", published in May this year. Ms. Laliberté has been the president of the Organization of Spouses of Military Members since 1984 and has also been a Member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies. She has also represented Veterans who have been seeking benefits under the Pension Act and represented military members in human rights complaints and redresses of grievance.

Other Federal Government Departments and Organizations

Department of National Defence

Colonel Brian K. O'Rourke, CD, Deputy Chief of Staff, Health Services Delivery, Canadian Forces Medical Group (Ottawa)

Colonel Brian O'Rourke was born on 13 November 1959 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As the son of a member of the Canadian Forces, he attended schools at military bases across Canada. In 1976, he enrolled in the Canadian Forces under the Regular Officer Training Plan and studied Pharmacy at Dalhousie University in Halifax. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree in 1980, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and posted to the Regional Medical Equipment Depot in Debert, Nova Scotia, where he served as the Deputy Commanding Officer.

From 1982 to 1985, he served as the Base Pharmacist at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. In 1985, then Captain O'Rourke was posted to Canadian Forces Hospital Halifax as a staff pharmacist. Upon promotion to the rank of Major in 1987, he spent one year in Halifax as the Head of Pharmacy Services, and then four years as the Head of Pharmacy at Canadian Forces Hospital Europe in Lahr, Germany. In 1992, Colonel O'Rourke was posted to the Surgeon General's staff in Ottawa where he was responsible for Pharmacy Standards and Practice. After two years in the Surgeon General's office, Colonel O'Rourke was accepted for Post-Graduate training. He attended the University of Toronto, where he graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1996. Upon graduation he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed as the Director of Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Services.

In 1997, Colonel O'Rourke completed a tour in the former Yugoslavia, serving as the Chief of Medical Plans and Operations in the Medical Coordination Centre of the NATO Support Command Headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia. Upon his return from Croatia, Colonel O'Rourke was appointed as the G4 for Canadian Forces Medical Group Headquarters in Ottawa. In 2000, he was assigned to the Rx2000 - Health Services Reform project office, where he served as the Team Leader for the Primary Care Renewal Initiative. Upon promotion to his current rank in July 2001, Colonel O'Rourke was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Health Services Delivery at Canadian Forces Medical Group Headquarters in Ottawa.

Throughout his military career, Colonel O'Rourke has been active in a number of sports, highlighted by playing on the Trenton Flyers hockey team that won the 1985 Canadian Forces national championship.

Colonel Marcia L. Quinn, RN, OMM, CD, Project Leader - Reserves, PMO RX2000

Colonel Quinn is a Registered Nurse who has worked in a number of clinical settings in the civilian sector and who is currently employed full time as the Reserve Advisor to the Director General of Health Services and as the Team Leader for the Reserve Working Group of the Medical Services Renewal Project, in Ottawa, Ontario.

From a Reserve perspective, she has held most unit and command positions both within and outside of the Medical Reserves up to and including that of Brigade Commander of 41 Canadian Brigade Group in Alberta. She has been a member of the Reserves for over 30 years and is very conversant and interested in all matters effecting Reservists.

Colonel Quinn is married to Ken Quinn and resides in Ottawa. She has three grown children - Ian, Kevin and Teresa who all reside in Calgary, Alberta.

Colonel Ken Scott, M.D., Deputy Chief of Staff Medical Policy, Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) Health Care Centre.

Dr. Scott graduated from Western in 1978 and then interned at Dalhousie. He subsequently specialized in internal medicine and infectious diseases at Calgary. He served as a General Internist at 1 Canadian Field Hospital during the Persian Gulf War, participated in a World Health Organization study of Trypanosomiasis in 1993, and in 1994 deployed to Rwanda as the Canadian Medical Platoon Commander for a UN mission. Dr. Scott established the Canadian Gulf War Clinic in 1995 and a network of Post-deployment clinics in 1998.

Health Canada

Brenda Patterson, Director General, Workplace Health and Public Safety Programme (WHPSP), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch

Ms. Patterson joined Health Canada in August 1998 as the Regional Director, Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OHSA), Eastern Region, based in Halifax, NS. Brenda has been the Director General, WHPSP (formerly OHSA) since December 2000.

The Workplace Health and Public Safety Programme (WHPSP) is responsible for helping Canadian private and public sector employers maintain and improve the health of their workers. WHPSP provides national leadership to develop health policy, best practices in the workplace, and enhance healthy living for all working Canadians.

Prior to joining Health Canada, Brenda was Director, Product Development and Business Relations, Strategis, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Industry Canada. Brenda was responsible for managing the business development and operation of Strategis information products and managed, on a cost recovery basis, all corporate information and electronic news services to Industry Canada. Brenda's other responsibilities included competitive intelligence and information policy and the negotiation and management of partnership agreements with the private sector and all levels of government. Brenda joined the federal department of Communications in 1978, following graduation from Mount Allison University and employment with the Province of Prince Edward Island.

Department of Social Development

Susan Williams, Director General, Disability Benefits and Appeals Branch

Ms. Williams has worked at the Privy Council Office, Indian and Northern Affairs, Health and Welfare, and Treasury Board Secretariat. She also spent four years with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in the Australian government.

In an effort to modernize our service, each of our Directors General champions a particular client group for the Branch. As Director General of Disability Benefits & Appeals, Susan champions the client group "persons with disabilities". Her background is in the area of social policy issues. In particular, her expertise in income distribution and social services for Aboriginal People brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing disabled workers.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Superintendent John W. Nikita, Acting Director General RCMP Human Resources Programs

Following graduation from the University of Windsor, Superintendent John Nikita joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1974. After graduating from the RCMP Academy at Depot Division, Superintendent Nikita spent 12 years in general and specialized police duties at several locations within the province of New Brunswick. Superintendent Nikita was then posted to Depot Division as an instructor for 3 years followed by a return to active police duties in the province of Ontario. In 1994, Superintendent Nikita was transferred to Ottawa where he established the RCMP Peacekeeping Operations Unit. Following that, Superintendent Nikita held a number of different positions in Criminal Intelligence and Human Resources. In 1997, Superintendent Nikita served as the Canadian Police Contingent Commander and Deputy Commissioner of the UN Mission in Haiti. In 2000 - 2001, Superintendent Nikita served in the UN Mission in Kosovo as Chief of Operations of the UNMIK Border Police and as Chief of Human Resources of the Kosovo Police Service.

Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) Financial Services

Colonel Pierre Lemay, MVO, CD (Retired), President, SISIP Financial Services

A graduate of the College militaire royal with a BAdm, Lemay began his military career in transportation by serving in Chilliwack, North Bay, and the Golan Heights in Israel with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. In the late 1970s, Lemay was transportation coordinator for four Royal visits, and was recognized by HM the Queen as a member of the Royal Victorian Order. By 1988, he had obtained a MBA and was based in Ottawa as the CF Director of Compensation Development. During the mid-90s, Lemay served as Wing Logistics Officer at 7 Wing Ottawa, and assumed the Wing Commander position from early 1995 until its closure that same year. Col Lemay then moved to NDHQ as Director General Compensation and Benefits, a position he held from 1995-98. Col Lemay was also the co-chair of the DND/TBS Advisory Group on Canadian Forces compensation, and a member of the CFSA Advisory Committee and the CFSA Pension Board. Col Lemay retired from the CF in 1998, and became Vice-President of Financial Planning for SISIP (Service Income Security Insurance Plan). In April 2000, Mr. Lemay became President SISIP Financial Services.