Minister of Veterans Affairs honours Ontarians for outstanding contributions to Canada's Veterans

The Honourable Julian Fantino presents commendations at a ceremony in Toronto

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today honoured the following 20 Ontarians with commendations for their exemplary service to Veterans:

• Dann Bouzide, Windsor
• Brian Budden, Mississauga
• Jean-Claude Charron, Barrie
• Chris Dupee, Toronto
• John Faulkner, Kitchener
• Ronald Gross, Waterloo
• Clarence Kieffer, Walkerton
• Mortimer Lightstone, North York
• Scott Maxwell, Whitby
• Keith Metcalfe, Torrance
• Jean Miso, Toronto
• Joseph Paquette, Mississauga
• Richard Rohmer, Collingwood
• John Sargeant, London
• Earl Shea, Toronto
• Christopher Sokoloski, Owen Sound
• Donald Squires, Kitchener
• Earle Topley, Hamilton
• Herman Van Rossum, Barrie
• Anne-Louise Vick, Cayuga

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is awarded to individuals who have contributed to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.

Quick Facts

• The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation was created in 2001 by warrant of the Governor General and with the approval of Queen Elizabeth II.
• The Commendation is intended primarily for Veterans, but may be awarded to non-Veterans in recognition of their service to the Veterans community.
• To date, 231 Ontarians have received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

Quotes

"It is a privilege to recognize the selfless efforts of these dedicated individuals who have given generously of their time and energy to support and care for our Veterans. Their exemplary contributions are indicative of the enormous respect and gratitude shared by all Canadians for the men and women who have served in uniform."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"I offer my heartfelt congratulations to these dedicated individuals for their commitment to Canada's Veterans. They are most deserving of this recognition and I applaud them for their efforts to better the lives of our men and women who have served in uniform."
The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance and Regional Minister for the GTA and Central Ontario

"I commend these individuals for their selfless contributions to the care and well-being of Canada's Veterans. They are truly deserving of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, which recognizes their steadfast commitment to those who have served our country so well."
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Regional Minister for Southwestern Ontario

Associated Links

• Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation – List of 2014 recipients
• Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation – Backgrounder

Image with caption: "The Honourable Julian Fantino today honoured 20 Ontarians with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. This award recognizes individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans. Minister Fantino was joined by Members of Parliament Larry Miller, Ben Lobb, and Joe Daniel (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141024_C3145_PHOTO_EN_7082.jpg

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468