Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill honours those who served in the First World War and promotes hiring Veterans

WINNIPEG, Aug. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parm Gill, together with the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, participated in the official opening ceremony for the Victoria Crosses of Valour Road exhibit at the Manitoba Museum. The exhibit features the original medals of Lieutenant Robert Shankland, Sergeant-Major Frederick William Hall and Corporal Leo Clarke, three First World War Victoria Cross recipients who, at the time of their enlistment, lived on the same block of Winnipeg's Pine Street. The street was later renamed Valour Road.

Recently, we marked the 100^th Anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and launched Canada's World Wars Commemoration period. Until 2020, the Government of Canada will commemorate and honour all Canadian men and women who bravely served our country during the First and Second World Wars.

Parliamentary Secretary Gill also met with Delaney Ross Burtnack, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR), to discuss the vital role Veterans can play in the agricultural industry. The association shares the federal Government's commitment to helping Veterans find meaningful employment opportunities. Recently, the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR) announced a new initiative—Operation Ag Careers—to assist the transition of ex-military personnel into the agriculture industry.

Quick Facts

• Through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund at Veterans Affairs Canada the Royal Military Institute of Manitoba received $1,700 toward the Victoria Crosses of Valour Road event.
• The British Victoria Cross was instituted in 1856 as the highest military honour for bravery. Ninety-eight Canadians have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
• The period from 2014 to 2020 marks the centennial of the beginning of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War.
• Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces are working together to maximize private and public sector opportunities for transitioning military personnel and Veterans. Through Veterans Affairs Canada's Hire a Veteran initiative, and Canada Company's Military Employment Transition Program, more than 200 private-sector employers have committed to hiring Veterans.
• The Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers represents agricultural retailers who actively support Canadian growers in the production of the highest quality food possible by protecting food quality, farm productivity, and the long term sustainability of the agriculture industry.

Quotes

"While in service to Canada, Veterans have gained the skills, experience and leadership that make them ideal employees. It is encouraging to see that the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers value the skills that our brave men and women have acquired, and are committed to joining us in our efforts to encourage the hiring of Canada's Veterans."
Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs

"The heroic acts of these three remarkable Winnipeg soldiers, under extremely harsh conditions, will never be forgotten. I commend the Manitoba Museum for sharing their stories of bravery and sacrifice in defence of our peace and freedom. This exhibit plays an important role in preserving and honouring Canada's proud First World War heritage."
The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"I was pleased to meet with Parliamentary Secretary Gill to discuss how the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers can help Veterans find a rewarding, diverse and sustainable new career. There is tremendous opportunity in the agriculture industry, and we look forward to introducing a program that will connect agricultural employers with highly skilled and results-oriented Veterans looking for new opportunities."
Delaney Ross Burtnack, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers

Associated Links

• The Manitoba Museum
• VAC's Hire a Veteran program
• Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers
• World Wars Commemorations #ShowYouRemember

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