End of Year Message from Deputy Minister Jody Thomas

December 20, 2021 - Defence Stories

Team,

Thank you. It is because of you, and your work, that this Defence Team has made it through a truly challenging 2021.

It’s been a lot. COVID. Addressing sexual misconduct. A relentless operational tempo both at home and abroad. The effort this year has required from each of us has been significant, and your collective work been something of which we should all be enormously proud.

The Defence Team has been critical in supporting Canadians this past year, and each of you have contributed in so many different ways. This includes those at the very front of our operations, and those of you whose invaluable work both shoulders operations and enables us to meet our wider mandate and accountability to Canadians.

As the end of the year draws closer, I sincerely hope that you are taking some time to rest, away from work, and in a manner that lets you switch off. Please, as you take time to recharge, be safe. With the Omicron variant raising COVID caseloads, our best collective course of action is to continue with the basics we know work: masks, hand washing, social distancing, and getting the vaccine when your turn comes.

If you are on duty this holiday season, we are especially grateful for your dedication and your service, and for the sacrifices of your family who support you.

Thanks to each of you for all you do, and I wish you and your families all the best for a safe and restful holiday season.

Jody Thomas
Deputy Minister of National Defence