OTTAWA, March 24, 2005 -- Three Canadian Forces personnel and five National Defence civilian employees will be honoured by André Marin, Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces, at a special awards ceremony to be held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa this afternoon. Also taking part in the ceremony will be the Honourable William Graham, Minister of National Defence. The Ombudsman's Commendation for Ethics, awarded annually, recognizes exemplary dedication to the values of integrity, honest, fairness and openness. The Commendation for Complaint Resolution recognizes groups or individuals in the DND/CF community who have demonstrated exceptional problem- solving and complaint resolution skills. Being honoured with Commendation of Ethics awards are the following: Annie Côté (CFB Bagotville) David Eisenhaur (Halifax) Chief Warrant Officer Robert Goch (CFB Winnipeg) Pierre Lessard (Defence Research and Development Valcartier) Anne Pennington (CFB Trenton) Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Allan Walker (CFB Esquimalt) Being honoured with Complaint Resolution awards are Clément Laforce (Defence Research and Development Suffield) and Major Louis St-Laurent (NDHQ Ottawa). "These outstanding individuals, by their examples of leadership, integrity, compassion and professionalism, contribute to the well-being of the National Defence and Canadian Forces community as a whole," noted Mr. Marin. "The DND/CF will continue to reap the benefits of their leadership for years to come." - 30 - For further information: Barbara Theobalds Director, Communications and Media Relations Office of the Ombudsman, DND/CF (613) 992-6962 Bronwyn Cruden A/Communications Project Manager Office of the Ombudsman, DND/CF (613) 995-2386
