Elisabeth St-Georges (left) and Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight (right).
Elisabeth St-Georges is an active member of The Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans UN-NATO Canada, and Vétérans Nouvelle Génération Canada, who has devoted more than 10 years of her time, energy and expertise to supporting Veterans.
Elisabeth is a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who served for almost 27 years and received a medal for loyal service in recognition of her commitment. For more than 40 years, she has also been involved with a number of Army Cadet and Sea Cadet corps, sharing her military experience and acting as a volunteer and mentor. She was awarded the highest honour for a Chief Petty Officer 1st class in her unit, receiving the Lord Strathcona medal and a scholarship from the Navy League of Canada.
Elisabeth is a dedicated volunteer with Branch 173 of the Royal Canadian Legion. She participates actively in the annual Poppy Campaign, enabling Veterans to access the Legion’s resources. She plays a central role in organizing the Remembrance Day celebrations, where she proudly represents the Indigenous community by laying a commemorative wreath. During her many participations, she has demonstrated excellent listening skills in her capacity as service officer for the new generation of Veterans.
Elisabeth also supports youth programs, in particular the Cadets, and offers various types of training on a volunteer basis. As a Blue Cross service provider, she offers massage therapy and fascial stretch therapy, helping veterans to relieve their physical pain and to better manage their symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. She has earned the trust and confidence of our Veterans, to whom she dedicates so much time and care. She creates a comforting environment, including the presence of assistance dogs, to promote healing of post-operational injuries. She is always ready to welcome Veterans in crisis and assist with managing their physical pain or mental health.
She has extensive experience as an animal health technician, and her assistance dog accompanied her to activities aimed at breaking Veterans’ isolation.
Her volunteer work benefits Veterans who also have assistance dogs and provides animal therapy to other Veterans taking part in these activities.
She is a good listener and provides mental health support and first aid to Veterans in crisis, in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada. As a Legion Service Officer, she contributed to setting up discussion groups focused on Veterans’ health and well-being, facilitated by health care professionals.
Today, Elisabeth continues to provide countless services for the Veteran community. Her exemplary commitment, her altruism and her dedication make her an inspiring figure and a pillar of support for Veterans in Québec.