The Government of Canada proudly recognizes individuals who make lasting contributions to the well-being of Veterans and who help preserve the memory of their service, sacrifices and achievements.
Today in Montréal, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, presented the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to 13 dedicated volunteers:
- Caterina Arena-Saia, Laval, Québec
- Jacques Beauregard (posthumous), Québec, Québec
- Michel Bonenfant, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Québec
- Francis Champagne, Mirabel, Québec
- Sean Esdon, Saint-Eustache, Québec
- Jean-Pierre Gaudreau, Sherbrooke, Québec
- Sylvain Jetté, Lachine, Québec
- Gilles Landry, Québec, Québec
- Pierre Pellerin, Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Québec
- Joël Renaud, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec
- Pierce Schaefer, Saint-Eustache, Québec
- Nelith Sigirige, Saint-Eustache, Québec
- Elisabeth St-Georges, Repentigny, Québec
Gilles Landry proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces and has continued to serve Veterans for more than 30 years through work with several organizations. Pierre Pellerin has dedicated almost 40 years of his time, energy and expertise to improving the lives of Veterans in his community, notably through his unwavering commitment to The Royal Canadian Legion.
Youth recipients, Caterina Arena-Saia, Sean Esdon, Pierce Schaefer and Nelith Sigirige, are being recognized for founding The Corporal François (Franck) Dupéré Legacy Memorial in 2023. The project will travel across Canada over the next 100 years to honour Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in service. It also engages students in remembrance and learning, and received funding from Veterans Affairs Canada's Commemorative Partnership Program.
These are just a few examples of how these exceptional individuals have helped support Veterans and their families and strengthen remembrance within their community.
