Military Ombudsman Recognizes Excellence in the Defence Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Ottawa, October 18, 2012 - Mr. Pierre Daigle, Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces, presented commendations to five outstanding members of the Defence community today during a special awards ceremony at the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess in Ottawa. The Ombudsman’s commendations, awarded annually, recognize exemplary dedication to the values of integrity, honesty, fairness and openness.
 

 “I am very pleased to recognize these five individuals who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to fairness, compassion, and integrity,” said Mr. Daigle.  “Their contributions have helped improve the well-being of those in Canada’s Defence community and will remain an extraordinary example for all to follow.”  
 

The Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation for Complaint Resolution recognizes individuals and groups who have gone the extra mile and exceeded expectations in helping their colleagues resolve a difficult problem or in bringing about positive and lasting change to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces.
 

This year’s recipients are:
 

• Master Warrant Officer Roch Massicotte
  
  Master Warrant Officer Roch Massicotte is the driving force behind all conflict resolution initiatives at 19 Wing Comox. He consistently goes above and beyond his formal duties as Dispute Resolution Training and Promotions Coordinator to provide the community with exceptional support and guidance. MWO Massicotte’s proactive approach to identifying potential areas of conflict and engaging all parties involved as quickly as possible has resulted in very few complaints reaching fruition. Indeed, as a direct result of his outstanding efforts, there has been a dramatic reduction in the overall number of complaints at the base. By offering group training sessions to units, meeting individuals on a one-on-one basis, and engaging other professionals at the base, MWO Massicotte is always at the forefront in ensuring individuals are treated with fairness and integrity. He is recognized across 19 Wing for his unique ability to handle the most sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion – a balance that allows him to fulfill the training and promotion aspect of his duties while looking after the well-being of those in need. MWO Massicotte’s leadership and dedicated efforts have enhanced morale at CFB Comox and ensured the success of the local conflict resolution program. 
   
   
• Major Stéphane Roux
   
  In his role as Wing Surgeon at CFB Bagotville, Major Stéphane Roux has demonstrated remarkable selflessness, perseverance and resourcefulness in ensuring military families in his community have access to medical care. Refusing to turn a blind eye to families in need, Major Roux seeks out a special exemption from provincial authorities every year that allows him, as a military doctor, to treat the family members of Canadian Forces personnel who do not have access to a family doctor. Managing an incredibly demanding workload as Wing Surgeon and sacrificing his own personal time with his loved ones, Major Roux works evenings to help ensure the well-being of families in Bagotville. Through his generous and determined efforts, he has alleviated a great deal of stress of countless military families and made a tremendous difference in his community. In going well above and beyond the normal requirements of his job, Major Roux is also an inspiration for all members of the broader Defence community in Canada.
   
   
• Directorate Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers
  (Captain Erin Kjosness, Ms. Denise Moore and Major Donnie Oulton)
  
  When the Directorate Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers undertook a major update to the Cadet Harassment and Abuse Prevention program, three individuals went above and beyond their normal duties to make the new training a reality. Captain Erin Kjosness, Ms. Denise Moore and Major Donnie Oulton were instrumental in the creation of Positive Social Relations for Youth – a high-quality, user-friendly and leading-edge training program that helps youth deal effectively with conflict in their day-to-day lives. Captain Kjosness, Ms. Moore and Major Oulton were involved at every stage of the project: making policy and training recommendations; engaging stakeholders; coordinating and collaborating with external partners on multi-media production; ensuring an emphasis on alternative dispute resolution; identifying learning objectives; developing training lessons; contributing to the filming of a video and DVD; and much more. Through their dedication, innovation and passion, Captain Kjosness, Ms. Moore and Major Oulton brought about positive and lasting change to the Cadet Program and the lives of tens of thousands of young Canadians.
   

The achievements of these five individuals are a true reflection of the high standard for which Canada’s Defence community strives.
 

The nomination process for the 2013 Ombudsman Commendations will begin in March 2013. Additional information on the award criteria and nomination process can be found on our website at www.ombudsman.forces.gc.ca.
 

-30-
 

For additional information:

Althea Basudde
Communications Officer
Office of the Ombudsman
Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces
Tel.: 613-995-8698