Sergeant Laurence Séguin is Army Recruiter of the Year

Article / June 19, 2024

A recruiter for the Canadian Army (CA) Reserve has been named the CA’s Recruiter of the Year.

Sergeant Laurence Séguin of 2 Canadian Division was given the honour by Lieutenant-General Paul, Commander Canadian Army, in part for her work on Carcajou, one of the CA’s Indigenous Summer Programs.

“Throughout 2023, Sgt. Séguin, developed a robust attraction plan intended for Indigenous communities,” said LGen Paul. “In addition, more than half of the 2023 enrollments in Carcajou are due to her extraordinary efforts and involvement. Sgt. Séguin’s significant contribution has had a positive impact on recruitment and retention, which is a great credit to the Canadian Army.”

We recently had the chance to speak with Sgt. Séguin to learn more about the person behind this year’s award.

Q: Tell us about what you do and the Carcajou program.

A: In 2018 I was approached to work on the Carcajou program. The program was created the year before, but no team was yet assigned to it. Knowing that it combines the basic military qualification with the spirituality and culture of my ancestors, I automatically said yes. I know how much a basic military qualification allows an individual to build their self-confidence, personal discipline, and leadership. It was then that I told myself that all these skills could help our future generations to grow and evolve through this program.

My primary task is recruitment from September to July. But from the beginning I have also been supporting the training center. I get involved during training because I know that Carcajou allows an individual to reconnect with their culture while growing on a personal level. This year I will have the chance to see the fifth cohort pass through the program, coming face to face with work that is really close to my heart.

Q: How has your cultural background helped you in this role? 

A: I may not have grown up in an Indigenous community, but I know the realities of it. The Indigenous communities of Quebec and Canada have many unhealed wounds in the face of residential schools, the Indian Act, and many other broken treaties. These injuries are intergenerational, and we see the good that Carcajou brings to the candidates after their six-week journey with us. I am explaining this to you because from the beginning, the passion for this program comes from the fact that everyone evolves positively through the experience. We cannot change the past, but we can use it to improve the present.

Q: What’s has been your greatest success this year?

A: I would say it is the young people. The success of the young people we teach. I would like to share the award I received with all those who were involved in meeting the recruitment and training objectives. We see the confidence that we give to young people who have never had the chance to experience it. We see a strong and proud generation, ready to serve. Those who do not decide to continue with the Canadian Armed Forces, we see them return to school, become ambassadors for their communities, and even take charge of their lives. My success is young people.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge this year?

A: Being alone in my area. Each recruiter has a case manager at their side. I am alone in processing my applications and monitoring applications that are under the area of responsibility of a Reserve unit. The program is still young, and we are designing a better working formula. The chain of command is trying to create positions in order to be able to support the recruitment unit.

Q: Any advice for prospective recruits?

A: Never give up and stay positive in the face of all eventualities in life. The only person who can stop you from moving forward in life is yourself. Mistakes are learning opportunities and it’s normal to make them. The military can sometimes have a competitive energy, but you should work as a team and be honest with each other. Communicate with respect and don’t be afraid to face the truth.

Q: Any advice for CA members to help put new recruits on a path to success?

A: Try to put ego aside and embrace humility. A true leader is a mentor who can recognize mistakes. I had the chance to do voluntary service as a recruit platoon warrant and during these two years of service, I was never afraid to tell my recruits my mistakes and my weaknesses. Because it allows me to grow and evolve to become better for myself and therefore better for my neighbour. But what struck me the most was the Major who was able to be human in front of his recruits and speak to them as equals. I know there are circumstances in which military rank comes first, but we must not forget that we are human and that a true leader, I believe, must preach through humility and respect.

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