Image Galleries

Feb 10, 2020

On February 10th, 2020, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced a contribution of $13,500 through the Commemorative Partnership Program to the Comox Vallery Airport Commission in support of their Plane of Reconciliation project.

The Plane of Reconciliation Project honours the contributions and the sacrifices of Indigenous People and all Canadian Veterans. The replica of a First World War Nieuport Biplane has been adorned with Hereditary, Chief “walas `Namugwis” David Mungo Knox special Kwakiutl Thunderbird insignia inspired by the Comox Canadian Forces Base unit badge.

Jan 24, 2020

On January 24, 2020 the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced funding for Operation Entrepreneur through the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. Operation Entrepreneur will receive $390,000 over three years to expand its workshop and online learning programs for Veterans and their families to explore self-employment options. Operation Entrepreneur is a national program of Prince’s Trust Canada that provides training and support so Veterans and their families can transition to life after service by starting and growing successful businesses. The announcement took place during a career fair geared toward Canada’s Veterans and those transitioning to life after service. The Government of Canada’s Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund provides grants and contributions to approved private, public and academic organizations to support research, initiatives and projects that encourage or enhance the well-being of the Veteran community.

Jan 15, 2020

On January 15, 2020 the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, accompanied by the Associate Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, Lisa Campbell, participated in the signing of a new partnership today between Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). This partnership is a step toward fulfilling a Government of Canada commitment to support Canadian universities and will ultimately lead to improved services for Veterans and their families.

Together, VAC and UPEI intend to explore collaboration on the development of new programs and services that benefit Veterans and their families and students at the university. The agreement facilitates discussion and collaboration between the two organizations in the areas of clinical services, recruitment, training and educational services, and an overall commitment to share and learn.

Jan 15, 2020

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, joins Stratford Elementary school to make valentines for Veterans. Every year Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) encourages schools, organizations and the public to make Valentines for Vets. All Valentines are distributed by VAC to Veterans in long term care facilities across the country.

Dec 16, 2019

On 16 December 2019, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced funding through the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund for Good Shepherd Refuge Social Ministries to support homeless and at-risk Veterans.

Dec 04, 2019

On December 4, 2019 the Government of Canada delegation attended a ceremony in the town square of Ravenna, Italy. Every year on that day, the town of Ravenna gathers in the square to commemorate their liberation –Ravenna was liberated by the Canadian Corps on December 4, 1944. The delegation was led by the Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and Alexandra Bugailiskis, Ambassador of Canada to Italy. They were joined by the Prefect of Ravenna, Enrico Caterino, and the Mayor of Ravenna, Michel de Pascale. Later in the day, members of the delegation attended a ceremony of remembrance at the Ravenna War Cemetery in Italy. The site for the cemetery was selected by the Army in 1945 for burials from the surrounding battlefields. Ravenna War Cemetery contains 955 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 63 of them unidentified and 438 are Canadian.

Dec 03, 2019

On December 3, 2019 the Government of Canada delegation attended the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Palazzo San Giacomo in Russi, Italy. Members of the delegation also visited a plaque honouring Private Smokey Smith, VC, in Cesena, Italy. The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, was in attendance for both events.

Palazzo San Giacomo was built in the second half of the 17th century, on the Raffanara estate near the Lamone River. During the Second World War, the building was used by the Germans as their headquarters and later by the Canadians due to its location, height and sturdiness. In the winter of 1944-45, part of the building was used as a hospital. On the wall of a room on the third floor of the right-hand tower, there are engravings made by Canadian soldiers in the second half of December 1944. Among others, we can admire an engraving of the map of Canada.

A plaque will be unveiled on the grounds of the building in memory of the Canadian soldiers who served during the Italian Campaign.

Dec 02, 2019

On December 2, 2019 the Government of Canada delegation attended commemorative ceremonies at the Price of Peace Monument in Ortona, Italy, and the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. Members of the delegation then visited the Cider Crossroads and Casa Berardi, where many Canadians were killed and many more were badly wounded in December 1943.

The Government of Canada delegation was led by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and Alexandra Bugailiskis, Ambassador of Canada to Italy.

Dec 01, 2019

On December 1, 2019 the Government of Canada delegation attended a historical briefing at the Governor General’s Horse Guard monument in Aquino, Italy. The briefing was led by Professor Gianni Blasi, a Canadian-Italian passionate about Canadian military history. The Governor General’s Horse Guard Regiment landed in Italy on December 19, 1943 as part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. In May 1944, the 5th Division entered the Liri Valley with the intention of breaching the Gustav and Hitler Lines. Following a short rest after the Liri Valley battle, the Regiment was moved to the Adriatic coast to participate in breaching of the Gothic Line from September to December 1944. The monument was unveiled in May 2019. Members of the delegation then visited a plaque honouring Major John Mahony, VC, which was attended by the Mayor of Roccaseca. On 24 May 1944, Major Mahony led his company across the Melfa River in Italy under heavy artillery fire. His task was to secure a firm bridgehead on the western side of the river, and was part of the operations by 1st Canadian Corps to break through the Adolf Hitler Line. For his exemplary leadership and courage in this action, Major Mahony was awarded the Victoria Cross. Mahony died in London, Ontario on 15 December 1990.

Nov 30, 2019

On November 30, 2019 the Government of Canada delegation attended a ceremony of remembrance at the Pontecorvo Monument. Members of the delegation then had a private visit at the Cassino War Cemetery. The delegation was led by the Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and Alexandra Bugailiskis, Ambassador of Canada to Italy. At dawn on May 23, 1944, the 1st Canadian Infantry Division, British 8th Army, attacked the Adolf Hitler (Senger) Line. The most heavily defended line faced by the Allies during the Italian Campaign, it was constructed between Pontecorvo and Monte Cairo. In addition to the suffering of the citizens of Pontecorvo and Aquino, 848 Canadians and other forces were casualties. The Cassino War Cemetery is the largest Second World War cemetery in Italy. More than 4,200 Commonwealth graves are located here, of which 200 are unknown and 855 are Canadians. The names of 194 Canadians are inscribed on its 15-foot high slabs of green marble.