Local Veterans Receive Award for Community Service Excellence
Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government Ontario is recognizing three veterans in our community with the Ontario Award for Community Service Excellence. Each nominating branch of the Legion will present certificates and lapel pins to award recipients during local ceremonies held in early November, to coincide with Remembrance Day and Veterans Week.
“Our government is proud to award our veterans with the Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence, a historic program to honour their invaluable volunteer efforts,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “We can never fully repay those who have served our country, but this award will help strengthen our province by recognizing the legacy of our veterans and their contributions to building a stronger Ontario.”
Local recipients of the Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence include:
· Colin Vezina of North Bay’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23, Ontario Provincial Command.
· Laughlin Trowsdale of West Ferris’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 599, Ontario Provincial Command.
· Richard Rhindress of Callander’s Royal Canadia Legion Branch 445, Ontario Provincial Command.
The award honours individuals for exceptional and ongoing service to their communities, such as work to help veterans re-integrate into civilian life, supporting those dealing with ongoing mental or physical injuries, or other broader community-building initiatives. Each year, Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion will each nominate one veteran who has demonstrated significant and sustained contributions to their community through exceptional work.
In honour of Veterans’ Week, our government will be expanding provincial recognition, promoting access to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission financial assistance program, building opportunities for veterans to enter the skilled trades and more.
We encourage you to take time this week to engage with your local legions in the lead up to Remembrance Day and reflect upon the extraordinary courage and profound sacrifices made by Veterans.
For more information on how to nominate a veteran through your Royal Canadian Legion Branch visit Honours and awards: community | ontario.ca. You must submit all nominations by the annual deadline of August 31.
QUICK FACTS
· The new initiative makes Ontario the first province in Canada to establish an award specifically dedicated to honouring veterans' excellence in community service.
· The veteran nominated by their Ontario branch of The Royal Canadian Legion will receive this award. The Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat will distribute certificates and lapel pins to the nominating Ontario branch of The Royal Canadian Legion.
