23 September 2025
09:00 – 15:00 (ET)
Hybrid – In-person in Ottawa / Virtual via Microsoft Teams
Advisory Group Members (Families and Recognition)
- Amanda Anderson
- Simon Coakeley (co-chair)
- Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Charles Gendron, Royal Canadian Legion
- Andree Gracie
- Dr. Sean Graham, Directorate of History and Heritage, Department of National Defence
- Derrill Henderson, National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada and Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada
- Anne Hurtubise
- Robert Jardine
- Namita Joshi, True Patriot Love Foundation
- Laryssa Lamrock
- Superintendent (Retired) Dave LeBlanc, RCMP Veterans Association
- Colonel (Retired) Telah Morrison
- John Moses
- Nora Spinks (co-chair)
- Lia Taha Cheng, Royal Canadian Legion
- Yvonne Watson
- Dr. Lee Windsor, University of New Brunswick, Gregg Centre
Canadian Armed Forces Representative
- Kara-Lee Casselman, Canadian Armed Forces
Veterans Affairs Canada Officials
- Sylvie Thibodeau-Sealy, Director, Policy, Learning and Recognition, Commemoration Division
- Kristy McGuigan, Senior Analyst, Community Engagement
- Jeff Gallant, Manager, Community Engagement
- Elizabeth Hughes, Project Officer, Community Engagement
- Megan MacKinnon, Program Operations Assistant, Community Engagement
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
- Micheal Hamm, Director of Policy
Observer
- Sherri Doherty, Office of the Veterans Ombudsman
Regrets
- Caitlin Bailey, Vimy Foundation
- Heather Hook
- Tamara Kleinschmidt, Trenton Military Family Resource Centre
- Jamie Morse, Office of the Veterans Ombudsman
- Rodney Parcher, Canadian Armed Forces
- Brian Prairie, Metis National Veterans Council
Land acknowledgement, welcome and opening remarks
The VAC co-chair welcomed all participants, both in-person and online. She gave a brief overview of the agenda and encouraged open and honest discussion. She then gave a land acknowledgement, recognizing the meeting was taking place in the National Capital Region, the traditional unceded, un-surrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin.
Group check-in and introductions
Participants took turns introducing themselves and sharing their backgrounds, roles, and experiences.
Commemoration and Recognition Update
The VAC co-chair provided an update on Veterans Affairs Canada's current initiatives and the focus on all efforts of the Canadian Armed Forces. Alignment with the Strategic Plan was referenced with a focus on recognition while also keeping remembrance as a pivotal point.
The group discussed additional opportunities they would like to see, including educating new Canadians, highlighting families and their contributions, Indigenous perspectives and opportunity to use digital platforms, and the importance of using first voice when storytelling on those platforms. The group agreed that a successful and united campaign would require mobilizing both the Veteran community and the broader Canadian public. They flagged the importance of using the right language to name and describe campaigns, activities and events.
Families Pulse Check
The member co-chair for the Advisory Group on Families emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing Veterans’ stories. They noted that recognizing military efforts presents an opportunity to include families, enriching the narrative and making it more inclusive. The member co-chair expressed concern about the removal of military service questions from the 2026 Census short form, which could result in Veterans in long term care no longer being counted.
Recognition Pulse Check
The member co-chair for the Advisory Group on Recognition spoke about the importance of recognizing the less tangible contributions of Veterans. As recognition expands to include more recent events, it is important to be mindful of the risk of re-traumatization. While not all triggers can be anticipated, broader and more inclusive consultations can help ensure the efforts remain respectful.
Review of Five Eyes Research
The VAC co-chair referenced the mandate from which the recommendations are to derive and provided an overview of how Five Eyes countries recognize military families. The intention was to explore opportunities to learn from their approaches. The group engaged in a collaborative discussion on amplifying Military Family Appreciation Day, potentially adopting the Gold Star recognition initiative, using inclusive language, and incorporating a family focus in other events, programming, and content throughout the year. They also noted that better recognition of families could improve access to benefits like the Mental Health Benefit (MHB). A proactive review of all programs and services through a family-focused lens was suggested.
Questionnaire and Discussion
The group participated in a Slido questionnaire designed to gather their input and perspectives. This feedback will guide and shape future discussions, ensuring that the group’s priorities and concerns are addressed effectively.
Breakout Discussions
The group divided into two groups and reviewed the Slido results. They identified several key themes:
Recognition
- Families are currently acknowledged in various ways, through services, special dates and events in Canada, most of which are focused on the military family.
- Interest in establishing a Gold Star recognition program similar to what is found in the United States.
- Recognition should be rooted in respect — honoring past contributions while celebrating the present.
- Approaches must be diverse and flexible, as a one-size-fits-all model won’t meet the diverse needs of all families.
- Peer connection and shared experiences are essential elements of meaningful recognition.
Awareness
- Increase public support through national recognition campaigns.
- Leverage and potentially expand existing organizations’ initiatives and events.
- Importance of support from provincial governments and school boards to integrate educational materials into schools.
Information
- There seems to be limited awareness about Military Family Appreciation Day.
- There is a lack of data on number of Veterans and families in Canada.
- Need for a resource to improve family awareness of available services and programs.
Perceptions
- Concern that some Veterans may view funding for families as detracting from Veteran-specific resources.
- It is important to frame family recognition activities and funding as supplementary, and not in competition with Veteran recognition.
Round Table Reflections
To conclude the meeting, participants were invited to reflect on the question: “When it comes to Recognition and Families, how would you complete the phrase ‘Wouldn’t it be great if...?’” Each member had the opportunity to share their thoughts and perspectives.
Closing remarks and next steps
The VAC co-chairs offered closing remarks and thanked the group for their active participation. The next virtual meeting is scheduled for December 2025.