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Award Ceremony for Honor Commendation Recipients

March 24, 2005

Pascale Boulay: Welcome, everyone. Welcome to the 2005 department of National Defence Canadian Forces Ombudsman’s award ceremony. My name is Pascale Boulay. I’m an investigator with the office of the ombudsman and I will be your host this afternoon. It is an honour for me to participate in the ceremony which recognizes so many members of the defence community for excellence, ethics and complaint resolution. I would like to begin by introducing the members of the Ombudsman Advisory Committee, whose members had the difficult task of helping select this year’s recipients: Ed Ratushny, chair of the committee, Lt. General Michael Caines, Mr. Thomas Hoppe, Mr. Mike Spellen, Chief Warrant Officer Camille Tkacz and Brigadier General Pat Brennan who are unavoidably absent today. I would also to acknowledge Mr. Bill Tanner, one of our World War II veterans.

You will notice that your kits contain information on the aboriginal artist who designed the awards. The name of the award is Truth and represents values held dear by Canadians, including honesty and integrity. We chose this award as one of the key roles of the office of the ombudsman is to seek, find and tell the absolute truth, even though we know that the truth may sometimes hurt. Truth can be elusive. Facts may be complicated, but all our recipients today are purveyors of the truth and have followed the ethical path to success.

Well, I know you’re all excited, so without further ado I will invite the first DND/CF ombudsman to come forward and present the commendations. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. André Martin. Mesdames et messieurs, Maître André Marin.

André Marin: Thank you very much. We are here this afternoon to honour eight special people representing military and civilian members of the defence community from across this country. These people through their outstanding achievements have brought distinction to the whole organization. Working ethically is not easy. In fact, in my job, I see many problems but for every problem that arises, there is an equitable solution. There is always someone out there who wants to do the right thing, the fair thing. It does not matter that someone is advocating fairness for many, or reaching out to those who are in need or envisaging an innovative way to benefit others. What matters is the caring, the conscience and the conviction in which they act, and I’m here to tell you that these eight exceptional people have acted. They have played important roles, serving the military and civilian community. You can readily see how they contribute to putting the unity in community.

I created these commendations in 2002 to give the ombudsman an opportunity to recognize the excellent work being done in the larger defence community. This year, we had more nominations than ever before, and therefore we also have an unprecedented number of recipients. I believe that this reflects a growing sensitivity to the integrity and honour associated with our organization, and I hope it is a sign that this growth will continue. I would especially like to thank the committee members who assisted me in selecting the winners this year.

As many of you are aware, this is the last ceremony that I will be officiating at and it is my distinct pleasure to have this opportunity to present these awards to these special people before I move on to my new post and I want to say that as ombudsman, I’m keenly aware that people who turn to my office don’t do so generally to praise the organization. They are people who are in need of help, they are in need of assistance and I think that part of the job extremely seriously as an advocate for fairness in the organization, but I also don’t forget the bigger picture, that this is a proud organization that works very hard in doing the right thing and once a year, this ceremony allows me to have an occasion where there is only good news and positive things, but I want everyone in the room here to know that it -- I know that every day, there is wonderful things that happen in the organization, and my work as ombudsman has been to increase the awareness and encourage the good things and to try to get the organization to improve upon things that need improvement.

So without further ado, I would like to proceed today with these awards that tell us about eight people who have gone far and above the call of duty and for that, we are grateful. I will begin with the Commendation for Complaint Resolution. This award was created to recognize individuals and groups from the DND/CF community who have displayed outstanding skill in resolving problems and complaints. I take great pleasure in introducing our first recipient, Clément Laforce, whose career in research has taken him down many paths and finally to this podium.

Clément Laforce: Thank you very much, Mr Marin. On behalf of all those who assisted in the research and development of this case, I thank you. I would like also to thank you for taking on this part of our history and assigning your staff. It was a pleasure to work with Suzanne. Thank you very much and Bill also.

André Marin: Before moving on to the next award, I would just like to comment on Mr Laforce’s contribution. He is a recipient of the Commendation for Complaint Resolution. Clément Laforce offers a perfect example of the spirit of this commendation. His research into the testing of chemical warfare agents at Suffield during the Second World War not only helped to further the ombudsman’s investigation but was also of great assistance to veterans and their families trying to deal with the effects of this tragic period of our history. His willingness to co-operate and share information were exemplary and contrast with the refusals, indifference and defensive attitude that strongly characterized many of the people who have tried to research this case.

Monsieur Laforce is accommodating, dedicated, sensitive and good at what he does…and he has a wonderful sense of humour. It’s with – he’s a pleasure to work with. Moreover, the thoughtfulness, meticulousness and quality of service that he and his personnel provide to those who contact him in defence research and development attest to their dedication to all members of the larger defence community. Without his contribution, there would never have been any investigations into the testing of chemical agents, and we would not have been able to institute the compensation program that was subsequently developed.

So we salute you…and now we will proceed to our next recipient. I am talking about Major Louis St-Laurent, whose work has consistently demonstrated his kindness and compassion. Major Louis St-Laurent is the recipient of the Commendation for Complaint Resolution. When he worked at the Centre for the Support of Injured and Retired Members and Their Families. Major Louis St-Laurent displayed an extraordinary commitment to his clients, lending them an attentive ear and representing a friendly point of contact for them.

His devotion to his clients went far beyond his normal duties. He never hesitates to go the extra mile for his clients, spending much of his time listening to people in need and giving them sound advice. Thanks to his vast knowledge of the DND bureaucracy and his positive attitude, he often manages to find money to fund counselling and support for people who need them. On one occasion, he organized a funding campaign for a man in distress to allow him to attend counselling sessions beyond the number normally approved. Through his actions, Major St-Laurent exemplifies the primary objective of the Department of National Defence, ie, people come first. Congratulations.

Major Louis St-Laurent: I would like to begin by thanking Mr Marin and his team. I must say that I was somewhat surprised to learn that I had been chosen…I had always thought that I was being extremely discreet in my work. I must have failed somewhere. I have had the privilege of working and supporting members, Canadian Forces members and their families for the last 24 years. I have had the special privilege of supporting and assisting injured members and their families in the last five years. So it is a -- it must say it is a very challenging work and although we do a lot of our work in privacy, confidentiality, it is always behind closed doors, but I want to tell you that it does occur and it does happen as we speak today. The only way that my colleagues and I can do our work and do it well is also because we do in fact receive a lot of support, full support from our superiors and our leaders at all levels and if that wasn’t there, we wouldn’t be able to do our work. In conclusion, I would like to address my colleagues, my work colleagues, who are every bit as deserving as I am…I accept this award in their honour. Thank you.

André Marin: The commendation for ethics recognizes individuals or groups in the DND CF community to promote integrity, honesty, fairness and openness by their demonstration of exemplary ethics. Our first recipient for this ethics award is Madame Annie Côté. Madame Côté is the recipient of the Commendation for Ethics. Annie Côté is known at Three Wing Bagotville for her integrity and dedication…and for her impeccable honesty. Not only is she a source of inspiration for those around her, she also offers an example of courage and determination.

For example, thanks to her ability to motivate people, she knew a team – her team…she convinced – excuse me – her team to adopt an innovative approach to client service which ultimately helped improve the well-being of every civilian and military member of the wing. A visionary, Annie Côté takes every available opportunity to enhance the quality of life of DND members. She displays an exemplary sense of morality in every task she performs. Depending upon her expertise and her open mind, she continues to offer an example to those around her. Annie Côté has undeniably helped DND members to expand their horizons through her actions and initiatives. We salute the extraordinary dedication of Annie Côté.

Annie Côté: First of all, I would like to tell you how happy I am to be here today. This honour does my heart good. I would like to thank Mr Marin, his selection team and everyone who made this possible, the Commander of 3 Wing and my work colleagues - I am certain that without you I would not be here - and the entire team that works with me in support programs. In conclusion, I would like to tell you that I consider it a privilege to be part of this team, to work with the wonderful people of the Canadian Forces. Thank you.

André Marin: David Eisenhaur is awarded the commendation for ethics. He has traveled all the way from Canada’s east coast to join us. For over two decades, he has clearly demonstrated his dedication to the promotion of ethics in the public service. Among his accomplishments, Mr. Eisenhaur has co-authored a long-term ethics plan for MARLANT that is operationally sound and easily implemented in a fair and honest manner. His dynamic promotion of openness and honesty led to it being accepted by both management and labour. He also produced the defence ethics implementation plan which highlights the importance of recognizing and commending employees who exemplify ethical behaviour. Mr. Eisenhaur leads by example. Not only is he a key player in promoting ethics week in his formation, he also facilitates the unit’s ethics awareness sessions where dilemmas and issues can be discussed in an open and an informative environment. As a result, he is seen as an advocate and leader in the field of ethics. It is only fitting that Mr. Eisenhaur be recognized for his efforts to ensure that the corporate support of ethics is exemplified in the Defence department. We salute and commend David Eisenhaur’s outstanding commitment.

David Eisenhaur: Thank you, Mr. Marin. I guess for me I’m quite fortunate over the past 20 years to have the support of the leadership I had and the colleagues that I have worked with within Defence. I have been blessed with mentors that have helped me along the way and I think this is a reflection of their leadership. Thank you very much.

André Marin: The next recipient is Mrs. Anne Pennington who comes from a rich and civilian backdrop. Anne Pennington is awarded the commendation for ethics. She is a true paragon of ethics. With unsurpassed compassion and a desire to make a difference in the world, Mrs. Pennington is extremely active in many humanitarian pursuits. Mrs. Pennington leads by example in all facets of her life. At work, she is a dedicated and invaluable employee in the 426 squadron. During her years with the squadron, she has guided hundreds of staff members and students. She is also active in the 8Wing Trenton employment equity advisory group and has aided at the resolution of many interpersonal issues. However her ethical fervour does not stop with her workplace. Mrs. Pennington actively participates in various community colleges and social programs whose benefits extend far beyond her immediate sphere of influence. As a forward member of her unit, she exhibits qualities of generosity and ethics that greatly enhance life and moral within her unit. Mrs. Pennington is truly an inspiration to all around her. We salute and commend Anne Pennington’s outstanding commitment.

Anne Pennington: I would like to thank Mr. Marin and his staff that worked so hard to make this wonderful day possible and with apologies to everyone here that may thing otherwise, I work for the very best unit in the Canadian Armed Forces, the 426 squadron. I would like to thank Major Kevin McDonald and Chief Warrant Officer Eric Ginglis (ph.) who made this day possible and all the people I have worked with and for there for almost 30 years. And I would like to say thank you very much to Major Dave Cochran and Steve Veillette that came here to make this day very very special and also to my mother and my husband who support me and make everything I do happen. Thank you.

André Marin: I would like to introduce to you Chief Petty Officer, 2nd Class, Allan Walker who comes from the furthest point on the west coast of Canada to be with us today. The recognition of exemplary dedication to the values of integrity, honesty, fairness and openness, Chief Petty Officer, 2nd Class, Allan Walker is awarded the commendation for ethics. Throughout his 22-year career in the navy, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Walker has distinguished himself with a dedication to ethics. Leading by example, he has earned the respect of his superiors and subordinates.

His nomination was initiated by two of his subordinates on HMCS Regina. He brings tremendous credit to the Canadian Forces. A true leader, he always puts his subordinates first. He has become a role model for those serving under him. Responsible for the development of over 30 personnel, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Walker has shown his subordinates how to achieve a higher standard by being an ethical mentor. Throughout his guidance and inspiration, he ensures that each individual is provided the opportunity to reach their full potential. Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Walker is dedicated to the Canadian Forces and over the years, he has adopted his leadership to suit the newest generation of military members. Thus the Canadian Forces will continue to reap the benefits of his leadership for years to come. We salute and commend Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Allan Walker’s outstanding commitment.

Allan Walker: I would just like to thank Mr. Marin and his staff for the creation of such an important award. Personally I feel that it is important to recognize those who set a high standard for themselves, whether in ethics or leadership and I’m humbled by the two subordinates that work for me, Petty Officers Chris Carnall and Sharon Slenders (ph.) for nominating me for this and for the commanding officer of HMCS Regina, Commander Sipos for supporting them. Thank you very much.

André Marin: Our next recipient was to be Chief Warrant Officer Albert Goch who is going to join us from Winnipeg, Alberta. Unfortunately he had to cancel unexpectedly. He is being awarded with a commendation for ethics. Throughout his 35-year career in the regular forces, he has shown an unwavering concern for all members of the CF which has earned him the universal respect of both civilian employees and military members. He has worked tirelessly with veterans affairs, civilian medical personnel as well as the office of the ombudsman to obtain and maintain dignified and supportive care for injured personnel returning from operations. Chief Warrant Officer Goch epitomizes the values and ethos of the Canadian Forces. We salute and commend him for his outstanding commitment and we will forward the award to him.

Mr. Pierre Lessard, another winner of the commendation for ethics is unable to be with us. He sent us a message that he was aware of the danger of incurring his wife’s wrath if he cancelled their trip to New Zealand. Faithful to his values, Pierre Lessard applies the principles of sound management based on integrity, justice and fairness. He is a man of remarkable integrity. His honesty and sincerity have exerted a positive influence on those around him and given Canadian Defence Research and Development a direction and vision. He has left an indelible mark on this organization. We salute the extraordinary dedication of Pierre Lessard. I will now hand over the podium to our emcee, Pascale.

Pascale Boulay: Thank you, Maître Marin. My congratulations to all the winners. I am pleased to have the honour of acknowledging the presence among us today of the Chief of the Maritime Staff, Vice-Admiral Bruce McLean. We also have as a special guest a man of distinction, a man who has made his mark in the world of national and international relations and a man whose engagement in global issues bear testimony to his abilities. We know he shares our pride in the men and women, military and civilian, who serve their country so well. It is a privilege for me to introduce him. I invite you to join us – pardon me, I invite you to join with me in welcoming the Honourable Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence.

Bill Graham: Thank you very much. Colleagues from the House of Commons and the Senate, vice-admiral McLean, the members of our Canadian Forces, recipients of these remarkable awards, I would like to first congratulate the ombudsman for having had the idea of presenting these awards. I think it is -- it is you said, chief, you said it is good to be reminded of the need for excellence. I always remember what Colin Powell wrote in his book, he said, he said something like this. “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you have to develop the habit in all things.” Excellence is not an exception. It is prevailing attitude and I think, if I may say, André, the idea that within the ombudsman’s office, to inculcate a sense of excellence and recognize what people in a very difficult job is a wonderful thing.

I know that the people here have worked hard, have driven often very difficult and complicated circumstances do their best for -- to get justice and to make the best for our forces, because in enriching a sense of justice in our forces, in fact we are strengthening our forces as we bring together around together as a family that makes sure that we are striving as best we can to solve the problems within the forces so that we can be most effective for Canada as we act for Canada. It is a great pride for me to have had the opportunity to become the Defence minister of this country. I have only had this job for a short period of time, but believe you me, I have learned something about the excellence of the forces and I have learned about how we are all strive together to make them the best in the world, and I believe they are the best in the world.

So I would like to join you in congratulating the ombudsman awards for both those are getting commendations for ethics and the complaint resolution, two categories which you set up to enable to understand the nature of the ombudsman’s role, ethics and complaints resolution, understanding how we can bring those two together. So your achievements are a true reflection on the values that Canada’s defence teams strives for and through your actions, you are helping us to foster an ethical, respectful and positive workplace. Congratulations to you and thank you for the work that you have done for the forces and in the end, for all Canadians.

I would like to also take this opportunity to congratulate André Marin before he goes off to my home town of Toronto. I happen to know -- I’m not sure he end up in a location where the present ombudsman’s office is, but I used to teach at the University of Toronto just across the road from it, so I have got some idea about -- and a former friend of mine, a classmate of mine had his position. So I appreciate the fact that he is moving to a position of great importance for the province of Ontario, for the people of Ontario and I want to wish him well in that position.

André, you have rendered a valuable service to our CF members, civilian employees and organization. Your team has handled and resolved thousands of complaints and investigations. You were the first ombudsman in our armed forces and, with your support, your staff has done its work with skill and unshakeable determination. The office that you set up with such zeal has played a key role in improving the quality of life of the men and women in the Canadian Forces. You have never been afraid to speak your mind. And I think that’s wonderful, even if some of your comments may have ruffled some feathers, even from time to time those of the ministers…if we ministers can get our feathers ruffled, after all the attacks against us in the House of Commons by MPs like Mr Bachand there. Yet even with the experience that we have, we are all concerned with the well-being of our armed forces; and you, André, have always done what you could to serve the interests of our members and employees.

So I would like to thank you very much and I would like to wish you best of luck in the future. I know that you will put the same energy you have put into this job in serving the people of Ontario. I would like to make a small presentation to you but before I do, I would like to take a moment to thank Barbara Finley who is here with us. Your director of operations. She has agreed to take on the role of acting ombudsman while we search for an appropriate successor for you. This is an important role for our Forces and I want to assure you that we will be doing this (inaudible) with complete professional and a search for the best possible person we can to take over from the job that you have established with such extremely important credentials. So if I could I would like to make a presentation to you. Yes, for you.

André Marin: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Minister. I’m very moved by your kind words. I know you haven’t been in the portfolio a long time, but certainly you have already distinguished yourself as a friend of the front-line soldiers. We have brought to your attention several cases where people had been banging their heads against the bureaucracy for a number of years and you were able to see through that. I realize that the minister of National Defence is in a very difficult position in a sense that the minister has to be supportive of the chain of command and of the military and at the same time, add your responses to the reports and recommendations and findings of the ombudsman and it requires a lot of skill to be able to reconcile both, but it is doable and you have shown that you can do it.

I think that the office has the faith that you will continue to do so and when the office comes forward with the finding and recommendations or report, it comes under the ink of the ombudsman because it is an ombudsman’s office, but there is 50 people behind who believe in the cause and who work very hard and the only motivation they have is doing the right thing because the soldier who is a lone voice, regardless of how competent the chain of command is, it is a hierarchy and it is disciplined. It is what is required to run the military but it also means that it brings with it a loyalty in a sense of not wanting to stick your neck out of the chain of command. So when someone does that, goes to the ombudsman’s office and there is a finding, you should know that that finding is made to try to improve on a lot of soldiers. As I have said, you have already distinguished yourself by your decisiveness in these files and I can only encourage you to maintain that and to work with the military but also to not forget that the military’s office, (inaudible) may be only 50 people, but we are there for the front-line soldiers. So thank you very much, minister.

Pascale Boulay: Thank you, Maître Marin and thank you, minister Graham. I believe your speech on this occasion can serve as an inspiration to all of us. And with that, I would like to invite all the recipients to take this opportunity to have their pictures taken with the ombudsman and the Chief of the Maritime Staff. Mr Devries (ph), the photographer, will be glad to help you. To everyone, thank you for being a part of this special celebrations and please feel free to relax with refreshments while you offer your own best wishes to our honorees. Once again, thanks everyone.

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