Michel Bonenfant (left) and Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight (right).
An active member of his local Royal Canadian Legion and the Musée Militaire de Saint-Jérôme, Michel Bonenfant has spent the past decade dedicated to supporting and commemorating Veterans.
Since joining the Legion 10 years ago, Michel has been deeply involved in nearly every aspect of his branch’s operations. He has played a particularly vital role in initiatives aimed at supporting Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as efforts to combat isolation and loneliness among all Veterans.
As both a member and later as Branch Service Officer, Michel has helped dozens of Veterans access the benefits and services they deserve. Known for his unwavering commitment, he has made himself available around the clock to listen and provide support—often using his own financial resources to assist those in need. He has personally driven Veterans to medical and psychological appointments, ensuring they receive the care they require.
In recognition of his dedication, Michel was elected President of his Legion branch in 2018. Under his leadership, the branch weathered the severe financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. His proactive initiatives and steadfast guidance were instrumental in keeping the branch operational and continuing its mission to support Veterans.
Michel has also led several significant commemorative projects. He spearheaded the creation of a cenotaph in Prévost, dedicated primarily to Indigenous Veterans, and has worked tirelessly to establish a military museum in Saint-Jérôme to honour the local military camp built during the Second World War. Since joining the Legion, he has been a key figure in the annual Poppy Campaign and a central organizer of Remembrance Day ceremonies.
For the past four years, Michel has served as Vice-President at the Dominion Command level of the Legion, within the Operational Stress Injury/Branch Service Officer (OSI/BSO) section. In this role, he continues to advocate for and assist Veterans dealing with operational stress injuries. Drawing on his professional experience as a former residential clinic counsellor at Ste. Anne’s Hospital in Bellevue, he continues to volunteer his time and expertise. Beyond his work with Veterans, Michel is also actively involved in supporting individuals in the community struggling with substance abuse.