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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ombudsman Rewards Excellence in Defence

Ottawa, June 7, 2006 – Yves Côté, Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces, today presented commendations for Ethics and Complaint Resolution to six members of the Canadian Forces and employees of the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada at a special ceremony on Parliament Hill. Also in attendance were the Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence, Mr. Russ Hiebert; Vice-Admiral Ron Buck, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff; and a number of Members of Parliament, Senators and senior members of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces.

The Ombudsman’s Commendations recognize exemplary dedication to the values of integrity, honesty, fairness and openness. The awards also serve to acknowledge the contribution of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada employees and Canadian Forces members who have demonstrated exceptional problem-solving and complaint resolution skills.

“These individuals have conducted themselves with the utmost integrity and have shown themselves to be true leaders in their work environment,” stated Mr. Côté. “Their dedication and unshakeable conviction brings pride to the institution and underscores the good work of Canadian Forces members and public servants both here at home and around the world.”

Mr. Côté also noted that the Commendation for Complaint Resolution was being renamed in honour of Liz Hoffman, an investigator with the office who passed away after a long battle with cancer. Ms. Hoffman’s deeply rooted sense of fairness and social justice led to a career as ombudsperson with several academic institutions over the years: Carleton University, the University of Toronto, Ryerson Polytechnic University and the Ontario College of Art and Design. Her dedication also led her to be a founding member of the Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons as well as the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman (FCO).

“Liz was a tremendous force for positive change for the men and women of the Canadian Forces and the civilian employees of the Department. It is only fitting that this award be renamed in her honour.”

This year’s recipients of the Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation for Complaint Resolution were:

Colonel Denys Guérin
As Special Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister for Human Resources (Military), Colonel Denys Guérin displayed a remarkable commitment to fairness and a profound respect for the welfare of serving and former Canadian Forces members. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and a determination to address instances of real injustice, Colonel Guérin employed innovative solutions to resolve a number of specific personnel issues that others refused to address. As a result of Colonel Guérin’s compassion and dedicated efforts, several serving and former members of the Canadian Forces received the respect and fair treatment for which they were searching.
Commander Frank Vandervoort
Through his determined efforts and commitment to fairness, Commander Frank Vandervoort made a real and positive difference in the lives of nearly one hundred fifty Canadian Forces members deployed abroad as part of the international campaign against terrorism. When he was informed of a significant inequity related to special clothing allowances for Electronic, Mechanical and Engineering Section technicians deployed to Camp Mirage, Commander Vandervoort demonstrated exemplary leadership in pursuing a timely, innovative and fair solution for all of those Canadian Forces members involved.
Mr. John Wickett
Through his extraordinary dedication and compassion, Mr. John Wickett has provided invaluable assistance to countless Canadian veterans and former Canadian Forces members in need. Always going well beyond what was asked or expected of him, Mr. Wickett has helped to correct real injustices and inequities at both the individual and broader systemic level. Most notably, Mr. Wickett was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Chemical Warfare Agent Testing Program and in helping former soldiers and their families come to terms with a difficult period in Canada’s history.

Commendations for Ethics were awarded to:

Ms. Marie Joannisse
Through her strong convictions and dedicated efforts, Ms. Marie Joannisse has helped to promote integrity, fairness and openness in resource management within the Human Resources (Civilian) group in the Department of National Defence. On her own initiative, Ms. Joannisse successfully instituted a common base of accepted and practiced values and ethics in order to guide and facilitate more independent and effective decision-making within Human Resources (Civilian). As a result of Ms. Joannisse’s hard work, resource managers at all levels within the group are more aware of their responsibilities related to ethical conduct when making resource management decisions.
Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Rick Martin
As Senior Combat Information Operator Instructor and Section Chief Petty Officer at Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt, Chief Petty Officer (2nd Class) Richard Martin served as an inspirational leader who routinely handled challenging personnel issues with sensitivity and the utmost professionalism. Through his personal intervention in a number of complex cases, Chief Martin made a real and positive difference in the lives of countless members of the Canadian Forces. Chief Martin’s very high standards of personal integrity, dedication and selfless devotion have set an exceptional standard across the organization.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jean St-Arnaud
During his 35-year career in the Canadian Forces, Lieutenant-Colonel Jean St-Arnaud distinguished himself as a professional, caring and compassionate individual who always looked out for the best interests of those under his command. On countless occasions, Lieutenant-Colonel St-Arnaud went above and beyond the call of duty to provide support and encouragement to those who might otherwise have been overlooked and, in the process, gained the lasting respect of those who served alongside him.

Recipients of the Commendation for Complaint Resolution were nominated by members of the Ombudsman’s investigation team for their support and assistance to the Office of the Ombudsman. Nominations for the Ethics commendation were submitted by peers and colleagues and reviewed by the Ombudsman and his advisory committee.

For additional information:

Michelle Laliberté
Communications Advisor
Office of the Ombudsman, DND/CF
Tel: (613) 995-8643

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