2022 Celebrating Excellence Awards

Awarded to: Ryan Veysey, Fitness and Sports Instructor, CFB Esquimalt

Mr. Ryan Veysey is recognized for embracing the growth and developmental opportunity to support the research development, trial implementation and program evaluation of the Navy’s Maritime Tactical Operator (MTO) Preparation and Selection process. His professionalism and leadership skills anchored the strong relationship and trust that PSP established with the Operational unit (NTOG). Mr. Veysey quickly became an essential member of the Human Performance Team by providing reliable, creative and adaptable support, highlighting the value of HQ and local staff working as one PSP team.

Awarded to: Annie Cote, Senior Manager, PSP, CFB Bagotville

Ms. Cote’s exemplary leadership of the CFB Bagotville PSP Team promotes and motivates her team, CFMWS support divisions and stakeholders to accomplish the many annual objectives. Ms. Cote’s leadership style builds confidence, potential and resilience within her small but mighty team. She enhances CFMWS’ reputation to ensure CAF leadership goals are achieved by the PSP personnel continuing to provide exceptional, relevant Morale and Welfare programs. Ms. Cote is a positive and influential CFMWS Ambassador.

Awarded to: Faduno Ali

Mrs. Faduno Ali has been integral in improving the culture and workplace policies at DND as the leader of the Anti-Racism and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion portfolios. Working in close collaboration with the Anti-Racism Secretariat, she developed the first ADM(IE) Anti-Racism Framework, and established a committee to support this initiative, providing a forum for collaboration where anti-racism can gain momentum and flourish.

She designed programs to train staff and was integral in planning and producing the first Department-wide Black History month event. She provides regular consultations and continues to raise awareness, enhancing the working environment for all DND personnel.

Awarded to: DND Technical Air Worthiness Program

David Hurst, Pamela Lewis

Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Hurst overcame numerous challenges related to the pandemic to achieve results. They developed a practical process for technical airworthiness throughout the entire life cycle of aircraft fleets. Mr. Hurst provided risk management support to resume flying operations for the CH148 Cyclone while leading in-depth reviews of engine and escape system reliability.

Mrs. Lewis guided the certification of the CC144 Challenger Aircraft remotely, developing a workable method for future projects, and helped navigate complex contractual issues with Transport Canada Civil Aviation for sharing information on airworthiness insight. They provide quality leadership of the highest professional standard.

Awarded to: Investment Plan 2022 Team

Mark Cameron, Lisa Dodd, Helen Duong, Jean-François Flores, Rene Haddad, Guy Leclerc, Lisa Liang, Ryan Powell, LCdr Félix Rancourt, Anna Wilkinson

The Investment 2022 Team went above and beyond their call of duty in creating a triennial investment plan, one with enormous scope and reliance on forward thinking, innovation and applied integration to link key reports and activities across a broad scope of activities. They developed this document under an aggressive timeline, creating a cohesive financial narrative that clearly described Departmental activities with Investment Management. CAF Environments, L1 Officers, and all pertinent stakeholder perspectives are well represented. The systematic manner in which they developed such a complex and innovational document relied upon collaboration and engagement with professional counterparts across multiple organizations.

Awarded to: Ann Chamberlin

We take this opportunity to recognize Ms. Ann Chamberlin for the impact that her service has had on both the Indigenous and Defence communities she has worked with. As Indigenous Program Manager and a key Indigenous Advisor, she has built relationships and engaged with DND staff to improve outcomes and increase education about Indigenous culture. She has represented Canada on the international stage and briefed high-level delegations about CAF management and development of their Indigenous portfolio. Ms. Chamberlin has been a champion in promoting a deeper consciousness and appreciation for Indigenous peoples, and their important contributions to Canadian society.

Awarded to: PSP Reconditioning Team

Alexandru Burnaru, Sébastien Hayes, Stephanie Haynes, Allison MacLeod, Dominic Pharand

The PSP Reconditioning team showed dedication and commitment to the highest values of DND teamwork and support. To assist CAF members over the pandemic, they introduced secure platforms, created client and leadership feedback tools to monitor staff well-being, developed a variety of content to encourage physical fitness, health and wellness, and provided multiple outlets and venues to connect with each other and overcome a sense of isolation. The team responded to feedback and continuously refined educational workshops and information sessions, branching out and making improvements to group programming as required. Their invaluable leadership turned challenges into opportunities at every turn.

Awarded to: Director Strong, Secured, Engaged Financial Strategies Team

Shannon Adams, Luc Baudouin, Nick Grondin, Janyee Lau, Danielle Lawlor, Marilyn Luong, Sandra Schneider, Perfecto Vélez Macho

The Director SSE FS Team has made a significant impact on life cycle cost techniques and estimating services for capital projects. Through savvy design and automation, they ensured that the Continental Defence initiative succeeded as they revamped the existing LCC modeling tool, mainly through VBA coding and applied risk modeling. This resulted in a more robust risk analysis system, bringing greater speed, functionality, transparency and credibility for risk forecasting and cost estimates. This adaptive integration was completed under tight timeframes and within projected budget. The Team deserves praise and recognition for creating tools that enhance cost effectiveness and informed decision-making.

Awarded to: Director Research Workforce Analytics (DRWA) and Director Personnel Generation Requirements (DPGR) Team

Dr. Lise Arseneau, Meagan Boileau, Ingrid Lai, Stephen Okazawa, Robert Read, Jason Skaff, Michelle Straver, Jeffrey Wright

The DRWA responded to necessity by developing game-changing tools that allow staff and leadership to plan internal and external HR processes with greater precision, transparency and confidence. Under the guidance of DPGR, they created new models that would capture data and provide projections in a rapid manner in comparison to previous HR technologies. The hallmark of this new system would be several complex algorithms that would allow staff to successfully anticipate and plan for internal and external intake requirements. This translates into a more long-term approach with a more strategic, fluid and reliable process for everyone involved.

Awarded to: “Talking About Race” Leadership Team

CPO2 Felix Akol, Maj Ryan Carter, Cdr Têtê Délali Éloi Gunn

The “Talking About Race” Leadership Team fulfils an important role in assisting racialized Defence Team members to discuss race-related matters, and to find common ground in an open and welcoming environment. Their frequent events have been successful thanks to the facilitative approach and diverse discussion points with involvement from multiple organizations such as the Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group and the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service. The Team promotes understanding, encouragement and support on race-related issues for Defence staff, offering genuine and unique perspectives along with mentorship, a feeling of solidarity, and meaningful opportunities to hear and include everyone who participates.

Awarded to: Anti-Racism Secretariat

Seema Chowdhury, CWO Sherri Forward, Jeffery Gauger, Ixchel Medina Hernandez, Denise Moore, Marie-Josée Rinfret

We congratulate the Anti-Racism Secretariat for their work and success in improving racial diversity and inclusion across DND and CAF organizations. They developed a practical framework with accompanying policies and tools that would not only identify racism but offer appropriate support and generate reports to keep leadership better informed on the progression of antiracism across the Department. The Secretariat also assisted with departmental responses and perspective in the Minister’s Advisory Panel’s Final Report. By creating a platform to capture written submission on racial experiences, they created a more effective process to promote education and inclusion for everyone within the organization.

Awarded to: Curtis Champaigne

Mr. Curtis Champaigne is a fitting choice for the Unsung Hero award, for his central role in completing the Sea to Shore Connector system, where he helped develop a modular self-propelled pontoon barge system. This unique component can be stored in a compact manner, capable of transporting up to 80 tons of supplies, personnel, or equipment at speeds reaching up to 5 knots, able to launch from a Joint Support Ship without any additional infrastructure. His supervision and detail-oriented leadership has provided the RCN with first-class naval capability for combat operations, and a vital component of Strong, Secure and Engaged.

Awarded to: Dr. Raluca Voicu

Dr. Raluca Voicu has made outstanding scientific contributions in the field of Defence Energy and Environmental strategy, working as a Senior Program Scientist for the Strategic Joint Staff. She displays that rare combination of talent and humility, one who stays ahead and informed on national and global energy policy, quietly working behind the scenes to ensure smooth transfer and retention of knowledge throughout the entire defence organization and across the federal government. Her professional coordination and communication ensure professional scientific advice and a holistic, future-oriented energy approach to sustainable and alternative fuels for the Defence organization as a whole.

Awarded to: 552 Air Control Wing Detachment

Sgt Stéphane Dion, MCpl Cherysh Moore

The 552 ACW Canadian Detachment is fortunate to have the outstanding leadership of Sgt Dion and MCpl Moore, who conduct joint operations with the United States Immediate Response Force and are fully embedded with their host USAF squadrons. Besides security and military operations, the team also manages financial approvals and streamline administrative procedures, executing their plans under severely tight deadlines They guide their unit in the management of high-paced deployment and travel requirements where they participate in US strategic operations in regions like the Middle East and provide support to a variety of international missions with shifting priorities and locations.

Awarded to: Laura Keays

Ms. Laura Keays stepped into and filled a vital role as a dental clerk who oversaw booking and administrative responsibilities for nearly 9,000 CAF members. This was especially impressive given that she did not have a dental background, yet she was able to learn how to process referrals, liaise with civilian offices, and handle finances and related record keeping duties for such a large volume of patients. Ms. Keays became well known for her professionalism and for being pleasant, accommodating, and genuinely concerned for all patients who came to the clinic seeking dental care. She is truly an unsung hero.

Awarded to: Sgt Robert Lamontagne

Sgt Robert Lamontagne has demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills combined with professional intelligence and problem-solving skills. Serving as a dental clerk and administrative assistant, he has extended himself to help personnel with additional needs outside of dental care and assisted them in finding resources or directing them to the proper channels. Sgt. Lamontagne was noted for his excellent communication and improvement of processes over time, proactively making adjustments to enhance and streamline clinic processes to benefit patients wherever possible. His work ethic and personable approach towards staff were invaluable in improving the services and atmosphere at the clinic where he worked.

Awarded to: Élise Vallée

The impact that Mrs. Élise Vallée had on the quality of life and well-being of personnel under her stewardship can hardly be understated. As the pandemic began, she moved into action, creating initiatives and programs to ensure personnel within the 2nd Division would remain agile and combat ready. With close monitoring and continuous support and surveys through useful interpersonal resources, she allowed staff to better understand and manage their own well-being. She created a comprehensive document for this purpose that included gender-based analysis plus guidelines to ensure equity and set up events and seminars to bolster personnel health and morale

Awarded to: Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (2 CRPG) Quartermaster Team

OCdt Laurie Berichon, Sgt Maxime Boucher, Cpl Yan Boucher, MCpl Marc-André Caron, Cpl Patrick Desloges, Simon Ladouceur, Roger Martin, Cpl Olivier Potvin

TWe recognize the contributions from the 2 CRPG Quartermaster Team in meeting pandemic-related challenges and providing quality service to their units. Besides moves on short notice, they also oversaw preparation and design of a customized weapons storage vault and the execution of equipment transfer and commencing operations. This was done while adhering to procurement processes to implement new Canadian Army Guidelines using the Canadian Forces Supply software. The technical acumen and dedication of this Team, as well as their consistency and focus ensured continuity and military readiness for themselves and other companies whom they assist.

Awarded to: Cadet 365 Implementation Team

Lt(N) Stephen Armitage, Maj Sarah Bédard, Capt Paul Davison, Brendan Innes, Capt Amber Lawson, Capt Jeffrey Meaney, Maj Adam Neish

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Cadets & Junior Canadian Rangers Formation team, the pandemic presented an opportunity for increasing digital modernization through the Cadet365 initiative. This program allowed critical IT requirements through marked improvement in areas such as collaboration, architecture enhancement, social media feedback utilization and greater IT efficiency through a smaller digital footprint. Ensuring the availability of virtual training centres was vital during the pandemic due to the cancellation of in-person programs. Enabling these programs to continue online meant continuity and long-term communication solutions to facilitate digital collaboration across the Cadet and Canadian Junior Ranger organizations.

Awarded to: MCpl Matthew Hauck

TAs an SOF operator within the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, MCpl Matthew Hauck has established the Culture Advisory Team to assist CAF members who are having difficulty coping with stress, workplace pressures, or personal issues that are preventing them from serving with a sense of well-being. He is the go-to operator within his unit due to his interpersonal skills and track record of success in engaging with personnel when they are in distress or in need of resources to help them cope with emerging stress factors. This has enabled him to promote intercultural respect and awareness for Indigenous peoples.

Awarded to: DND TB Submissions Team

Anton Bezglasnyy, Kaitlyn Brennan, Jean-François Flores, Suzanne Natale, Sean Pollick, Allain Roy

The DND TB submissions team was integral in enabling the Government of Canada to fulfill its commitment to provide military aid to Ukraine during a critical timeframe. The agility and creativity that your team displayed was notable, such as when they completed the crucial Treasury Board submission in one week, a process that normally takes several months or longer. Not only did their determination and innovation meet the objective for this mission, but they also provided ongoing flexibility and useful examples to serve as templates for large-scale submissions, saving time and money for the Canadian Forces and DND personnel into the future.

Awarded to: ADM(HR-Civ) Vaccination Policy Implementation Team

Nathan Beck, Alexa Bernabo, Allison Cunningham, Maxim Kuntz-Démoré, Sheila Lacroix, Benoit Legault, Mary Newell

The ADM(HR-CIV) Vaccination Policy Implementation Team has effectively engaged with stakeholders across a broad spectrum of the federal government, providing superior, ongoing leadership throughout the pandemic, especially when the federal mandate was announced, where federal employees were required to confirm their vaccination status in November 2021. They ensured safe and accurate administration of staff vaccinations allowing DND and CAF staff to fulfil their duties in an atmosphere of trust and continuity. The Team’s ability to navigate communications, data analytics, labor relations, compensation and information management ensured the success of their mandate and safe vaccinations for all staff under their jurisdiction.

Awarded to: Continental Defence MC Team

Shannon Adams, Meagen Bell, Kelly Cambridge, Col Gabriel Doré, Nick Grondin, Danielle Lawlor, Charline Leduc-, arcoux, Debbie McCosham, LCol Edmund Roberds, LCdr Kyle Tetro

The Continental Defence MC Team has proven a unique asset to the Department. They produced a superior proposal, a work of craftsmanship and large-scale projections in terms of costing and military capabilities over the next 5 decades. Their successful collaboration with other departments was characterized by generous mentorship and a willingness to share their professional knowledge with everyone involved. The methodologies they developed were developed with multiple key stakeholders and praised by Treasury Board for their sophisticated approach. The Team brings matchless energy and synergy to their work, developing quality documents and ensuring valuable knowledge transfer to other Defence organizations.

Awarded to: Dr. Alain Auger

As a pioneer in evidence-based foresight practice for decades, Dr. Alain Auger has increased Canada’s pre-emptive awareness in dealing with Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT). His deep knowledge and abilities in risk assessment and forecasting has established him as an authority on technology watch and long-term defence strategy.

Through increased cooperation among NORAD and NATO counterparts, Dr. Auger produced a handbook for the international community with practical tools on developing stronger foresight capabilities. He also developed a prototype in cooperation with the NRC to anticipate EDTs and is noted for his inclusive and collaborative style with colleagues and military members.