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ISSN 0384-0417
Servir is an authorized unofficial publication, published bimonthly with permission of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Commander. The opinions and points of views expressed are not necessarily those of DND, CAF and CFMWS/NPFs Personnel. The articles published in this newspaper are the property of Servir and cannot be published, used or reproduced without the authorization of the manager or author.
The Remparts stand out at the provincial level
The judo team from the Royal Military College Saint-Jean did well at the Provincial Judo Championships held in Trois-Rivières on March 29 and 30. The Remparts, who were competing in the senior recreational category, finished in 3rd place overall (all categories combined). For his part, the Remparts’ coach, Jean-Pierre Cantin, won gold in the senior and elite veteran categories.
Recreational senior category – gold
• Officer Cadet Édouard Gagné (standing combat)
• Officer Cadet Daphnée Therrien (standing combat and Ne-waza)
• Officer Cadet Guillaume Gallien
• Officer Cadet Mathis Potvin
• Officer Cadet Damian Roberts
• Officer Cadet Loïc Verreault
Recreational senior category – silver
• Naval Cadet Loïc Desbiens
Recreational senior category – bronze
• Officer Cadet Édouard Gagné (Ne-waza)
Photo:
Celebrating the resilience of military children
| MFRC (article) and Cpl YongKu Kang (photos)
April is a special month for our military families, as it is dedicated to recognizing their children. On April 5, the MilitaryFamily Resource Centre (MFRC) – Montreal Region held the 3rd edition of the Military Children's Appreciation Gala at the Corporation du Fort St-Jean in the presence of 137 people.
Young people from military families often have to cope with the absence of their parents. They demonstrate admirable resilience in the face of the unique challenges of the military world. Their stories are often marked by uprooting and separation, but also by an inner strength that enables them to adapt and grow despite the difficulties.
“The Military Children's Appreciation Gala has become an unmissable event to salute these exceptional children,” explains Noémie Trépanier, organizer of the event. The evening offered a unique opportunity for families to come together and celebrate. “The gala allowed the children to celebrate their unique journey alongside their parents. We must not forget that they themselves experience separation with courage and commitment.”
During the evening, each child received a coin, symbolizing the appreciation and gratitude of the military community. Children who were present the previous year also had the opportunity to receive a certificate of recognition, marking their journey and
their strength. “The evening was a moment filled with emotion and pride, as the young people from military families face the trials of everyday life with an admirable maturity.” Each year, the MFRC pays tribute to them and highlights their courage and the importance of their role in the military family.
“We are proud to present moments of celebration and recognition such as this gala. It demonstrates our commitment to support these young people who, despite the challenges, continue to shine and achieve,” Ms. Trépanier concluded.
Sergeant Gabriel Côté, from Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, with Carolane Chabot and their children, Éliane and Jakson.
Sergeant Maxime Joyal, from the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School Band, with Azalée.
Their symbol: the dandelion
The dandelion perfectly represents the inner strength and uprootedness of military children. Like the dandelion that sways in the wind, these children learn to adapt, to withdraw into themselves in order to rebuild themselves better, and to take root in new lands. They carry within them the certainty that, even far from their base, they can always flourish again.
Once again this year, CANEX is marking this special month by offering sweaters for adults and children, as well as a commemorative coin.
Sub-Lieutenant Fadi Khalil, from HMCS Donnacona, with Nadine Makhraz and their children, Elias, Joya and Lamita.
2nd Canadian Division New meal trays in our dining halls
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
The 2nd Canadian Division (2 Cdn Div) is preparing to innovate by introducing moulded meal trays that will bear its emblematic color in the kitchens under its jurisdiction. This has been made possible thanks to the pilot project led by the Food Services team of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group – Personnel Services (Pers Svcs).
Master Warrant Officer Pascal Lavoie, G4 Food for the 2 Cdn Div, explains that this is a first within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). “It was during the past year that the innovation committee of the Saint-Jean Svc Pers Food Svc proposed the idea of moulded meal trays. We managed to convince the J4 Strategic Food Services branch and the CAF chief dietician, who was skeptical at first, that these meal trays would make it possible to meet the nutritional needs of CAF members, estimated at 3,600 calories per day.”
Warrant Officer Jean-Louis Lassonde, acting Master Warrant Officer of the Food Service at the Saint-Jean Garrison, mentions that the moulded meal trays offer several advantages. “They are practical and, above all, ecological. In addition, washing them requires less soap and water since we no longer have traditional dishes.”
WO Lassonde maintains that the arrival of these meal trays at the Farnham training site has greatly improved meal times, both indoors and outdoors. “Candidates at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) are often required to eat out. The freshly prepared meals for CAF members on exercise in sectors or bivouacs used to be served on metal plates. It wasn't easy to eat while trying to balance a small plate, 15.4 centimetres (6 inches) in diameter, on your knees! It's much easier with a meal tray.” Meal trays are used outside when the platoons are at a reasonable distance from the kitchen.
During the pilot project, the meal tray was greatly appreciated by future CAF members training at the Farnham site.
Photo: MCpl David Beaupré – Pers Svc
The sketch of the new meal tray that will soon be appearing in our kitchens.
Benefits and savings
MWO Lavoie and WO Lassonde go on to explain that meal trays result in significant savings. “The conclusion we reached after the six-month pilot project is that we will be able to save $300,000 annually,” explains MWO Lavoie.
Among the findings, the Food Service notes the reduction in the consumption of disposable tableware and food waste. “Since the implementation of the pilot project, we have also observed a 20% reduction in waste and a 5% reduction in food purchases,” says MWO Lavoie.
The two men explain that with meal trays, the lack of cooks has less of an impact on kitchen operations than before. “Because we no longer have to wash multiple plates and bowls for each customer, but only one meal tray, we can distribute employees more easily when some are absent. In recent years, we had no choice but to use disposable crockery and utensils when we had fewer staff on duty. With meal trays, it would take a very large number of employees to be absent for us to be forced to use disposable crockery again. This change has saved us $170,000 a year. In terms of human resources, we have calculated annual savings of $70,000,” explains WO Lassonde.
The meal tray used in the pilot project resulted in a 20% reduction in food waste and spoilage. “It also allowed team members to speed up service time. On average, we managed to serve 310 customers every ten minutes.”
This allowed the CFLRS candidates to save a few minutes to enjoy their meal. “Their schedule is very busy and they have little time to eat. The meal trays have improved their situation,” says WO Lassonde.
The concept has been improved
In March 2024, the meal tray team from the Food Service and the 34 Service Battalion purchased 4,000 brown meal trays of a model already on the market. They were put into service in the dining rooms of the Saint-Jean and Farnham Garrisons. In April 2024, the kitchen of the 34 Service Battalion followed suit. “This made us realize that there were some irritants to using them, such as the lack of space to put down utensils. The main space on the brown tray is vertical, making it more difficult to cut food on it.”
The meal tray team therefore worked on designing a tray that would better meet the needs. “The results of the pilot project were presented to the Army and to the J4 Strategic Food Services branch last November and we got the green light to move on to the next stage!” says MWO Lavoie.
By the end of spring, the kitchens of the Saint-Jean Garrison, the Farnham training site and the 34 Service Battalion in Saint-Hubert will be using the new meal tray. Among the improvements made, it should be noted that it will be rectangular rather than hexagonal. In addition, a compartment for utensils has been added. The two spaces for glasses have been redesigned to better balance the tray. “The compartments in the pilot project had vertical partitions and sometimes it took two runs through the adapted dishwasher to properly dislodge food residue. We have revised the design so that the partitions of the new meal tray are curved, which eliminates the 90-degree angle with the bottom. This makes them much easier to clean,” says WO Lassonde.
In all the kitchens of the 2nd Canadian Division
These promising results have led the 2nd Canadian Division to gradually adopt these new meal trays for all the kitchens under its jurisdiction. “Within a year, all the kitchens in our division should be using them,” says proudly MWO Lavoie.
Some 9,000 blue trays will be manufactured over the next few weeks. Of this number, 4,000 will be reserved for the Saint-Jean Garrison. The others will be shared among the various kitchens of the 2 Cdn Div. As for the brown trays from the pilot project, they will be given to the CFLRS, which intends to use them to feed candidates during their time at the Farnham training site.
MWO Lavoie goes on to mention that the other divisions could follow suit over the years. “Several garrison, wing or base kitchens across the country have shown interest in our project. The teams in Kingston, Edmonton and Gagetown have already asked us for more information. At the end of March, the Petawawa team started testing the brown meal trays. The response has been good, so much so that they want us to send them more. The Saint-Jean Garrison Food Svc will be sending them 236 shortly.”
Divisions wishing to obtain meal trays similar to those of the 2nd CA Division should request them from their creators. “We have patented the design. That is why the logo of the 2 Cdn Div will be displayed on the back of each blue meal tray,” concludes MWO Lavoie.
Career Transition: Mastering Your Tax Deductions at Source
All Canadian residents pay income taxes. Generally, those taxes are paid through deductions at source. Employers and pension plan administrators are responsible for withholding the amounts set by the revenue agencies.
Deductions at source are sums subtracted from each amount of remuneration you receive, whether it’s a pension, an annuity or a salary. These amounts are calculated by splitting the total annual tax payment by your taxable income, depending on the frequency of payment.
If you receive only one taxable income, your pension for example, calculating your tax deduction is straightforward. Receiving several T4s makes it more difficult. The killer question: what rate of deduction should be applied to the total to be paid for the different incomes? Indeed, each employer or pension manager assumes you have a singlesource of income: theirs. The deduction is set accordingly. Hence the risk that the deductions will be insufficient for your total income.
Example: You have an employment income of $30,000 and a pension plan benefit of $30,000. For those incomes, you’ll be deducted $3,802 twice, for a total of $7,604. Added up, those sums amount to an annual income
of $60,000, for which $12,900 should be paid in taxes. After filling your declarations, you’d be owing the revenue agency a tax balance of $5,296… ouch!
Now, you know why it is important to understand that your deduction rate must correspond to your total annual income tax.
In your career transition kit, you’ll find 2 forms to provide with your pension’s tax deductions instructions. The information to be completed will be minimal: last name, first name, SIN and signature. But, as explained above, it’s in your best interest to have your tax deduction adjusted if you have more than one T4. Unpleasant surprises will be avoided!
Your financial advisor would be a trusted contact to help you assess the optimal rate of deduction.
PATRICE BERGERON Directeur général
Technical Services
They dress the military
| Yves Bélanger, Servir Editor's note: Servir continues its series of articles on the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Technical Services
In Quebec, the Technical Services have clothing stores at the Valcartier Support Base, the Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrisons, and the Sherbrooke, Shawinigan and Rimouski sites. They serve members of the Regular Force, the Reserve Force and the Cadet Instructor Cadre.
The clothing store at the Saint-Jean Garrison is the largest in the Canadian Armed Forces. “It serves the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, which trains between 4,500 and 6,500 candidates a year! Almost every week, new platoons begin their Basic military qualification,” explains LieutenantColonel Enrico Pelle, Technical Services commander.
Louise Bouchard, a storekeeper at the SaintJean clothing store, has to make sure that there are sufficient stocks. “Sometimes, our suppliers are out of stock of certain items. So I have to find a solution to ensure that the candidates from the CFLRS or the Royal Military College Saint-Jean have all the clothing they need.” Ms. Bouchard says she loves her job, which allows her to work with many future and current CAF members. “In this position, I face challenges on a regular basis. I really like that.”
Better-fitting uniforms, soon available online
Since the beginning of 2024, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) new multi-terrain –modernized combat uniforms (MT-MCU) have been distributed to military personnel. By the end of 2025, the tens of thousands of CAF members working in the Technical Services support area of responsibility should have received theirs.
“The priority has been to provide the new MT-MCU to the members of the 2nd Canadian Division deployed abroad, such as on OP REASSURANCE,” says LCol Pelle. “We must then serve the various units of the Regular Force and the Reserve.”
LCol Pelle explains that this uniform is more versatile. “It is better suited to environments with vegetation and to more open environments. It can be worn in the vast majority of countries where we have operations.”
Mireille Hardie, master tailor in the clothing section of the Saint-Jean Garrison. She is assigned to the staff of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean.
The CAF assures that this new camouflage, which has five shades, makes these uniforms more difficult than ever to detect by infrared and multispectral sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms and the human eye.
They are 95% similar in cut to the previous uniforms. “A project is underway to make some changes, especially for women's uniforms. This garment should possibly be more fitted than the one we currently wear,” says LCol Pelle, indicating that these changes should be made over the next two years.
An online ordering service should be launched over the next year as part of the Operational Clothing and Footwear Consolidated Contract which unites Logistik Unicorp and the Department of National Defence in the management of equipment. “The CAF members will be able to order their boots and operational clothing remotely without having to go to one of our stores,” concludes LCol Pelle.
Dedicated staff
After 25 years of service, Master Corporal (Ret’d) Louise Bouchard wanted to continue working for the CAF as a civilian employee. Since 2005, she has been working in the clothing section of the Saint-Jean Garrison. “I have the CAF tattooed on my heart,” laughs the woman who has never regretted her decision to enlist. “I needed a place where discipline was paramount. I also wanted an employer that I could be proud of and where I could develop a real sense of belonging. The CAF really gave me a purpose in life!”
Taclas Souffrant, from the clothing section, at the Saint-Jean Garrison.
Francis Giroux, from the clothing section at the Saint-Jean Garrison, with a customer.
Photos: Cpl YongKu Kang and Archives
A fleet that makes the commander proud
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
Lieutenant-Colonel Enrico Pelle, commander of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Technical Services, points out that 2 CDSG is truly at the cutting edge in terms of the number of hybrid and electric vehicles at its disposal. “We didn't wait for these vehicles to be imposed on us before integrating them into our fleet.”
The vehicle fleet includes minivans, vans, trucks with or without trailers, buses, forklifts and quad bikes. “All maintenance is carried out by our teams of mechanics,” says Patrick Fortin, manager of the Tech Svcs maintenance section.
Mr. Fortin explains that the team of mechanics is highly competent. “They keep their knowledge up to date on a regular basis. They are as comfortable with traditional mechanics as they are with electric vehicles.”
Here is the list of hybrid or fully electric vehicles of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Technical Services:
By the end of the year, 17 electric vans will be distributed between the Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrisons. At the Valcartier Support Base, 11 electric vehicles will be added to the fleet, as well as 10 new hybrid vehicles.
Louis Chiasson is a driver at Montreal Garrison.
Maxime Coté, Technical Services mechanic, at Montreal Garrison.
Ammunition and explosives experts
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
Did you know that it is the military members of the 2 nd Canadian Division Support Group Technical Services who are called upon to intervene when shells or other explosives are discovered? And that the unit is at the forefront of transportation?
That's right! The various police forces in Quebec call on the Tech Svcs when this kind of situation arises. “We are the ones with the primary expertise in this field. The members of my team are in great demand for this purpose,” says Lieutenant-Colonel Enrico Pelle.
This team is available at all times, 24/7. Its members can be found at the Farnham training site and the Valcartier Support Base. “They work on call, according to a rotating schedule. They must always be ready.”
The commander shares two examples of interventions, the most recent of which was requested by the Service de police de la Ville de Montreal. “A grenade was discovered in an apartment. Our team went to the site to check whether it was unusable or whether it had to be defused to avoid any serious incident. Another time, the team had to go to the Îles de la Madeleine because a shell had been discovered there.”
These explosives are often discovered when the ground is dug up as part of a real estate project. “There are also families of deceased collectors who call us because they no longer know what to do with these unwanted objects.”
They are there for you
The 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Technical Services provide and deliver basic institutional services in terms of supply, transportation, movement and maintenance to the units and entities assigned to their area of responsibility, which includes Montreal, Saint-Jean and Valcartier.
Aviators Dubois and Gagné secure aircraft pallets used to transport essential equipment on the trailer for road transportation to the Joint Task Force North warehouse.
Patrice St-Louis is a storekeeper at the Montreal Garrison.
Sergeant Samuel Tétreault, commander of the movement section detachment, communicates information to his team consisting of Aviators Van Tuen, Dubois and Gagné, and Corporals Mason and Arseneault. They discuss unloading operations in front of a Hercules CC130 aircraft.
Master Corporal Jean-Pierre Bessette, supervisor of bivouac equipment loans, and Sailor 2 nd Class Roniel Obaldo, from the clothing section, at the Montreal Garrison.
Corporal Li Bing Zhao, communications technician, at the Saint-Hubert site.
Corporal Cindy Rodrigue, storekeeper at the Saint-Jean Garrison.
A CENTURY OF SERVICE TO CANADA
A Week of Sharing and Cohesion
| Sergeant Marc Paquette, transition sergeant, CAF TC Valcartier
From February 24 to 28, 2025, the four transition centres of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Unit Quebec (CAF TU Qc) — Valcartier, Montreal, Saint-Jean, and Bagotville — gathered in Valcartier for their annual regional training.
This meeting, bringing together all military personnel, public service employees, as well as partners such as Family Liaison Officers and the Military Family Resource Centre, provided the opportunity to participate in various workshops and working groups. Everyone was able to share their daily concerns and discuss the challenges encountered across different regions.
The event also highlighted a spirit of mutual aid, with a rich exchange of ideas and solutions, thus strengthening collaboration between teams and promoting continuous improvement of practices within the unit.
Members of the organization were also rewarded with several prizes during the week, including the reception of the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Captain Suzanne Vermette and Sergeant Jeannie Gilbert.
On Wednesday, February 26, Lieutenant Colonel Claudie Thériault organized the unit's first regimental dinner, a moment of great conviviality and cohesion. The event was held at the officers' mess at the Quebec Citadel, where, in her end-of-evening speech, the commander emphasized the importance of this initiative. She reminded that, for a young unit like the CAF TU Qc, such activities are essential to forge a unique identity and strengthen ties within the organization.
The week concluded on a positive note with a breakfast at the “Centre Castor”, followed by a conference entitled “How to Hunt the Mammoth Without Losing Your Skin”. Led by Dr. Marie-France Marin, this conference addressed stress management, a current topic for the unit members.
Photo: Cpl Catherine Robert
Participants in the annual regional training of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Unit Quebec.
Étienne Boulay shares his journey
Following the annual regional training, as part of its initiatives to support the transition of military personnel to civilian life, the commander organized her first general meeting of 2025. These meetings aim to take military personnel out of their daily routine by inviting them to participate in conferences that can provide valuable tools for their post-service future.
At this general meeting, the guest of honour was Étienne Boulay, a former professional football player, notably for the Montreal Alouettes, with whom he won two Grey Cups. Mr. Boulay shared the highs and lows of his sports career, as well as his difficult transition to a new career after leaving the world of football. An experience that resonates particularly with members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who face similar challenges in the transition centres of the region.
Mr. Boulay's intervention was not only a testimony about the journey of an athlete but also a reflection on the emotional and professional challenges faced by military personnel who, like him, must reinvent themselves after a career. At the end of his presentation, he opened the dialogue by answering questions from the military personnel present. He also took the time to meet those who wanted to personally, offering moments of exchange and photos. The members present expressed their gratitude, emphasizing that this kind of presentation was not only relevant but also inspiring. It offered them valuable perspectives to approach their own transition to civilian life with more confidence and preparation.
Major Maxime Pitre, commander of the Valcartier TC, Étienne Boulay, Lieutenant-Colonel Claudie Thériault, commander of the Quebec CAF TU, Master Warrant Officer Étienne Cottenoir, sergeant major of the Valcartier TC.
Photo: courtesy
The end for two iconic buildings
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
In the near future, people walking around the grounds of the Saint-Jean Garrison will see two buildings dating from the Second World War, hangars H-104 and HD-4, disappear from the landscape.
The two buildings were used until 2023 by the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS). Their demolition has been planned since the construction of the new academic building.
Major Érick Marcoux-Poussart, commander of the Saint-Jean Garrison Operations Centre, indicates that work on the H-104 should begin in a few days. “A month later, it will be the HD-4's turn to be demolished.”
So far, no plans have been officially made for the HD-4 site. “However, we plan to build a parking lot on the H-104 site, as ours are at full capacity,” concludes Maj Marcoux-Poussart.
Photo: Archives 2009
Building H-104 housed various offices of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School as well as a shooting practice range.
Photo: Archives 2013
Until the academic building was erected a few years ago, end-of-course ceremonies for Basic military qualification for recruits and officers were held in hangar HD-4.
PSP Saint-Jean Garrison
New blood to train future CAF members
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
Over the past few months, the Fitness and Sports Department at the Saint-Jean Garrison has welcomed 13 new fitness and sports instructors, bringing their number to 21. The team is now ready to take on as many candidates as the Canadian Armed Forces wish to welcome each year.
Currently, 21 instructors are on staff. Jean-François Bernard, Fitness and Sports Manager, says that since the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of energy has been put into recruiting new instructors. “These new employees bring a great energy. They will enable us to properly meet the needs of our main client, the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS).”
Some of the new fitness and sports instructors. Back row: Pascal Raymond, Sophie Messier-Brault and Mélodie Huart-Blaquière. Front row: Jonathan Beaudin, Francis Gaudreault-Roy and Carl Bénit, who have recently arrived at the Saint-Jean Garrison.
Photos: Yves Bélanger
He mentions that the number of candidates at CFLRS has increased considerably in recent months and that there will be even more by the end of the year. “In 2024, we physically trained candidates from 94 platoons. Since the beginning of 2025, we have welcomed no less than 33 new platoons. In April, the number of platoons at the CFLRS rose to 27.” It should be noted that initially, a platoon is made up of 60 candidates.
Mr. Bernard proudly says that the instructors in his department are highly efficient. “They all work very hard to give training classes to CFLRS candidates and to support the new instructors.”
He explains that although the new employees are qualified, they have to learn the specific training to be done with the candidates of the School before they can work alone. “In particular, they have to learn the methods of evaluating candidates and the particularities of the FORCE evaluation. It takes about 34 months for a new employee to become familiar with military life and to fully understand the reality of the candidates.”
One of the challenges instructors face is the physical fitness level of candidates when they arrive at the CFLRS. “For some, training was not part of their daily life before. Instructors must therefore start from the beginning by teaching them walking, running, basic fitness and recovery.”
Mr. Bernard takes the opportunity to mention that there are still five positions to be filled in his team and that his department is actively recruiting. “Spread the word to your friends and family!”
New blood
Pascal Raymond joined Personnel Support Programs (PSP) – Montreal Region on October 1, 2024. After teaching physical activity to teenagers for several years, he wanted to experience something different.
He notes that changes have taken place between 2005 and today, the main one being the teaching of CFLRS candidates. “For example, I find that instructors are more flexible with aspiring CAF members than they were 20 years ago. In my opinion, that's a good thing.”
Émilie Jutras-Stewart is also one of the new employees. She arrived on January 6. “I finished my studies in June 2024. I was looking for more stability in my life and this job seemed perfect for that.”
She says she doesn't regret her choice and she is adjusting well to the military community. “For me, it wasn't an unknown world. My grandparents are veterans. I also have a brother and a sister who are members of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Pascal Raymond is a fitness and sports instructor at the Saint-Jean Garrison.
Émilie Jutras-Stewart has been a fitness and sports instructor at the Saint-Jean Garrison since the beginning of 2025.
To apply for a job as a fitness and sports instructor
The magicians of technology
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
Who hasn't called the helpline of the Information Technology Services Centre (ITSC)? You know, what used to be called 7777 and is now 1-877-779-0577? Servir introduces you to the behind-the-scenes workers of the Information Technology Services (IT Svcs) of the 2 nd Canadian Division (2 Cdn Div) Support Group. Within the various departments, these specialists solve our thousand and one computer problems.
Oops! Our computer no longer allows us to access the Defence Wide Area Network. Oops! It no longer responds to commands. Oops! One of our screens has gone blank. And yes! We would like to have the same application that one of our colleagues has on his computer. These are just a few of the reasons why we call on the specialists of IT Services via the SelfService Portal (assysNet).
In the Montreal region, nearly a hundred tickets are open in the portal every day. The members of the IT Services team agree that when there are only 70 tickets open in a working day, it's a quiet day!
Remotely, these IT specialists try to find a solution to our problems. They succeed in the majority of cases. If not, they redirect the request to another internal IT service resource: the ITSC second line team.
IT support
The Montreal – Saint-Jean computer support workshop is one of these resources. It is supervised by Michel St-Cyr and is made up of computer technicians (military and civilian). They intervene on site to resolve problems that could not be solved remotely by the first ITSC team. “Our specialists in the IT support team mainly deal with requests related to slow computers and the network, broken computers, problems with laptop docking stations, adding software, licence management and restoring the system image of computers in our area of responsibility,” explains Mr. St-Cyr.
Currently, only at the Montreal and Saint-Jean Garrisons, more than 3,600 computers are connected to the Defence Wide Area Network, mainly laptops. The team also supports the 1,800 laptops used for training candidates at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.
Each year, replacing obsolete computers takes up a significant part of the team's work. As each computer has a life cycle of five years, it is necessary to plan for the purchase and installation of new devices on an annual basis, which requires a lot of energy due to the number of computers in service on the various networks.
Among the short-term projects, the priority is focused on the migration to Windows 11 of all the computers of the 2 Cdn Div, planned by October 11, 2025. Considerable investments are being made to upgrade our Consolidated Secret Network Infrastructure (CSNI). The acquisition and installation of equipment such as switches, routers, computers, screens and printers will continue this year in all level 2 communication rooms of 2 Cdn Div.
Note that requests that exceed the responsibilities of the IT support team technicians are redirected to other IT Services teams. “It is our responsibility to resolve them or escalate them if necessary,” concludes Mr. St-Cyr.
Photos: courtesy Nancy Lanctôt, product and service analyst, Sharon Parent, head of the IT Services management office, and Brenda Sweeney, product and service analyst, in the offices of the Montreal Garrison.
Where do more complex requests go?
Sometimes, requests for software or hardware made to the Information Technology Services exceed the standards allowed within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). They are then forwarded to the IT Services Management Office.
Sharon Parent, head of the IT Services Management Office, explains that her team of six analysts is responsible for receiving these non-standard requests. “My team will look at the requests, analyze them and propose solutions to the units concerned, with the help of the technical sections of the Tech Squadron. This represents 85% of our work.”
She mentions that once the requests are well understood, the analysts start by seeing if the service catalogue already contains a similar tool or software. “This is why it is very important that each request sent to us is as clear and precise as possible. It is also necessary that the requests presented to us by the units are supported by their chain of command. It would be unfortunate to work on a project that could ultimately be refused by the unit commander.”
Project management
Erick Buzzanga is the head of the Project Office and coordinator of the Technical Squadron. He explains that his team's main mission is to manage projects that meet customer needs while respecting technical standards. “In fact, we are the conductors of IT projects. We manage them thanks to our team of specialists. We stand out by offering reliable technologies and by dealing with national changes in order to find solutions while minimizing the impact on customers.”
In an organization such as 2 Div CA, it is not as easy to implement and make technological changes as it is on a personal computer. “In addition to ensuring the compatibility of the systems, our specialists must ensure their reliability and stability and that the costs respect the annual budget allocated to us by National Defence.”
Subsequently, the majority of these requests go to project management to be delivered to the client.
The most frequent requests that arrive at the IT Services Management Office concern the acquisition of resources for the digitization of business processes, including computer equipment, software or applications, audiovisual equipment and even operational technologies. “We do our best to serve our customers. However, the units must be aware that our services are governed by policies and standards, often dictated by the national level, and that we cannot always afford to offer cutting-edge products or the products or software that the customer would like.”
To read an article about the IT security team (Pages 18-19)
The Montreal region Projects Office team: Erick Buzzanga, head of the Project Management Office and Technical Squadron coordinator, and Kathrine Laurin and Paul Desjardins, project managers.
Absent at the time of the photo: Judith Racicot, project manager.
Julie Vincent and Jean-Claude Gravel, product and services analysts, at Saint-Jean Garrison.
Consult the Knowledge Base first
The computer support team has developed a knowledge base to help users of the 2 Canadian Division resolve their computer problems.
“This database, accessible on the Defence Wide Area Network, aims to speed up and improve our services. Several minor problems can be easily solved by following the instructions found online in the Knowledge Base,” proudly explains Michel St-Cyr, technical support supervisor.
The Knowledge Base is in French only, but the web browser's automatic translation tool can be used to translate the articles. It contains nearly 80 articles on subjects such as Comment configurer un portable DWAN pour une zone de sécurité, Machine Interac, Comment supprimer définitivement un document sur OneDrive D365 et Différentes options pour vos réunions/conférences/ événements.
New topics are added every month. “I believe that users appreciate our Knowledge Base, because since it went online, the number of phone calls to our technicians has decreased.”
Special systems
Every week, IT Services receive various requests. Stéphane Tanguay, head of Special Systems, explains that his team's main mission is to respond to requests requiring software or technology that is not compatible with the Defence Wide Area Network. “We are here to provide IT services that meet the needs of customers while respecting technical standards.”
The special services team meets the specific needs of users by adapting commercial software and equipment to make them compatible with Defence operational technologies. “Our challenge is to standardize systems that are not standardized, to manage production systems and to constantly improve cybersecurity.”
Among the projects that particularly occupy Mr. Tanguay's team are the surveillance systems of the 2 Cdn Div, as well as the creation of compatible access and audiovisual systems. “We are also working on setting up a medical simulation centre.”
The Special Systems team for the Montreal region: Stéphane Tanguay, special projects manager, Claude Comeau, audiovisual technician, Simon Brideau, hardware and software analysis, François Gagnon, database administrator, Nicolas Tribout, cybersecurity analyst and Pierre Dandurand, hardware and software analyst. Absent at the time of the photo: Marc-André Dion, geomatics analyst/ administrator, Félix Roberge, hardware and software analyst, François Jasmin, special systems analyst, and Corporal Christian Galimard, geomatics technician.
To access the Knowledge Base
Photo: courtesy
computer
Does your computer seem slower than usual? Restart it to make sure that all updates have been installed, including those for the antivirus program.
“Updates are made on a regular basis. When they are not carried out on a computer, this can slow it down considerably. To be sure that the updates are operational, we recommend that employees leave their computers on when they leave the office at the end of the day. It is also important to restart the computer regularly,” explains Michel St-Cyr, supervisor of the IT support team.
Unveiling The Black Watch Legacy
| Lieutenant Felipe Posada, Black Watch
This series of articles, which began in July, narrates the illustrious history of The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada by showcasing select objects from its museum at the Bleury Street Armoury in Montréal. This third installment focuses on the Regiment’s participation in the Second World War.
Entire books and documentaries—such as Seven Days in Hell by David O’Keefe or The Black Watch Snipers by the History Channel—have chronicled the Regiment’s heroic exploits during this conflict. This article highlights just a small portion of the many events experienced by the Royal Highlanders during those six years of war.
Back in Europe, strengthened by its heritage
The Royal Highlanders of Canada had already earned international recognition for the valor of its three battalions (13th, 42nd, 73rd) in the First World War. By 1939, the Regiment—renamed The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada in 1930—was the only militia unit in the country with two strong battalions based in the same city. Many of its non-commissioned officers (NCOs) were veterans of the First World War.
War was declared in September 1939, and The Black Watch set sail for the United Kingdom in August 1940, after several months of training and duties in Newfoundland.
Photos: Black Watch
The Dieppe Raid
For nearly two years, The Black Watch was stationed in southern England, conducting training exercises and coastal defence drills. On August 19th, 1942, two detachments of the Regiment—one consisting of three rifle platoons and another with mortars—were selected to take part in the Dieppe Raid.
The plan called for Black Watch riflemen to be part of the third wave of the attack, tasked with capturing anti-aircraft batteries, while the Battalion’s mortars provided smoke and high-explosive fire to support the assault. After eight hours of brutal combat, the German defenders repelled the Allied forces with heavy losses.
Three Black Watch soldiers were killed, eight went missing, 17 were wounded, and 57 were taken prisoner.
The Battle for Verrières Ridge
Almost two years after the Dieppe Raid, The Black Watch arrived in Normandy on July 6, 1944, one month after D-Day. After a series of hard-fought victories, the Regiment faced its greatest trial during Operation Spring.
On July 25, the Highlanders were ordered to capture Verrières Ridge in a morning assault meant to outflank the 1st SS Panzer Division (Leibstandarte). Advancing up the slope, they encountered devastating fire from German positions concealed in the wheat fields and were hit by concentrated tank, artillery, and machine-gun fire at point-blank range.
Entire sections of the Regiment were wiped out as they pushed forward without promised artillery or tank support. Only a fraction of the attackers reached the top of the ridge. The battle resulted in catastrophic losses: 324 casualties, including 120 killed, among them Major Griffin who took over command when Lieutenant-Colonel Cantlie was killed earlier that morning while conducting a reconnaissance prior to the attack.
A stone sourced from the beach at Puys—where Black Watch soldiers disembarked during the Dieppe raid— was presented to the Regiment’s commanding officer in August 2024 by the Normandy Highland Pipe Band during their visit to Montréal. The stone is carved with the Regimental Crest and accompanied by a cornflower (bleuet), a symbol of remembrance in France.
A map in the museum depicts the battle plan for Operation Spring (July 25–27, 1944), launched by 2 nd Canadian Corps to create pressure on German forces along the British and Canadian front.
A photograph taken two months before the battle shows officers from the 1 st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. Only eight of these men survived the campaign in Normandy.
The Walcheren Causeway and liberation of The Netherlands
Following the liberation of France, British and Canadian forces moved into the Netherlands. Though British troops liberated Antwerp, its port could not be used until the Scheldt Estuary was cleared of German forces.
On October 31, The Black Watch spearheaded the attack on Walcheren Island, advancing along a narrow, mile-long causeway under relentless enemy fire. Pinned down by German tanks, machine guns, and mortars, the Highlanders suffered heavy casualties. The attack was ultimately repelled, and the forward elements were pulled back after nightfall.
This harrowing scene is recreated in the 2020 Netflix movie The Forgotten Battle, in which soldiers wearing Black Watch uniforms with 2nd Canadian Division patches are seen in combat.
The cost of the campaign was steep. During October alone, The Black Watch lost 400 officers and men, killed, wounded and taken prisoner. For the next six months, they continued to fight to liberate the Netherlands—a mission that forged a lasting bond between the Regiment and the Dutch people.
Return Home and Lasting Legacy
After six long years, The Black Watch finally returned to Montréal on November 21, 1945. It is believed that the Regiment suffered the heaviest casualties of any unit in Field Marshal Montgomery’s 21st Army Group. Total casualties for the Regiment as a whole amounted to some 150 officers and more than 2,000 other ranks.
The bravery and sacrifice of The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada during the Second World War remain a vital part of its storied legacy—one that continues to inspire future generations.
Read about our history or visit our museum
All the information mentioned in the article above is taken from the recently published three-volume regimental history books. They can be purchased at the Armoury or online on the McGill-Queens University Press website.
The Black Watch Museum is open on Tuesdays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and by appointment by contacting: museum@blackwatchcanada.com
During the war, Corporal Jim Wilkinson, befriended a Dutch family. Between 1946 and 2010, he made 42 trips to the Netherlands. One of the family’s children became a renowned artist and, during a Black Watch Association trip to Europe in 2009, she presented him with a sculpture of a Black Watch soldier with a Dutch girl. Several casts were made and presented to members of the Regiment.
During the Second World War, the kilt was now worn only with parade and leave uniforms, while trousers were used in operations. However, the iconic Red Hackle of The Black Watch was still worn in battle, often painted onto helmets as an identifying mark.
Operations Centres
New names to raise awareness of their role
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
Last fall, the coordination teams at the Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrisons became Operations Centres (OPSCEN). The 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Operation Services hope that this will make the role of these teams better understood by members of the Defence Team who circulate in the two Garrisons.
When we met with them on this subject, Major Érick Marcoux-Poussart and Master Warrant Officer Steve Martin, respectively commander and sergeant major of Saint-Jean OPSCEN, indicated that it was the Ops Svcs commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Félix St-Jean, who introduced this change when he took up his post last June. “He wanted to standardize the name of our service with that of the other Canadian Armed Forces bases and garrisons.”
Maj Marcoux-Poussart took up his post last fall. He took over from Major Kevin Bellefontaine, who was recently deployed to Latvia. He explains that the word “coordination” did not quite correspond to the mandate of OPSCEN. “We wanted people to understand that they should communicate with our teams for everything related to the logistics of the premises.”
Better visibility
MWO Martin adds that the CAF members of the OPSCEN team will wear a badge on their uniform. “We have just received the new posters to identify our premises at the Saint-Jean Garrison. They are red and easily recognizable.
We have had red bibs made. Our team members will wear them when they are out and about when there are major events on the Garrison.”
Saint-Jean OPSCEN has eight CAF members and one civilian employee. In addition to the commander and the sergeant major, there are two barrack-room officers, a sergeant-at-arms and a public affairs officer. “For the time being, the two members of the Imagery also report to our department,” explains Maj MarcouxPoussart.
In Montreal
At the Montreal Garrison, OPSCEN currently has a staff of ten: eight CAF members and two civilian employees. A sergeant major will be added in September. The team works under the command of Major Jean-Claude Sénécal.
Maj Sénécal explains that the OPSCEN are responsible for the logistics of the buildings on the grounds of each of the Garrisons, but that they have also inherited several responsibilities formerly entrusted to the Support Centres (SUPCEN). “Among other things, we now manage
communications, both with Regular Force units and with Reserve Force units that are housed in our Garrisons or that have a presence outside.”
“Across Canada, in garrisons, bases and wings, OPSCEN are responsible for the security of the premises and the resilience of the members,” explains Maj Sénécal. “In addition, they ensure the independence of the infrastructure distributed throughout the area of operations. For example, since the Canadian Armed Forces are the last resort in the event of incidents, our buildings must be self-sufficient, particularly in terms of electricity.”
The OPSCEN are there for you!
At the Montreal and Saint-Jean Garrisons, all requests related to infrastructure must be addressed to the Operations Centres. They are responsible for the following:
• the administrative management of the buildings located on the Garrisons
• the reception of requests and the monitoring of repairs for all buildings located on the Garrisons
• the management of conference rooms, classrooms and auditoriums
• the general inspection of the Garrisons
• the maintenance of good relations with the surrounding municipalities
• the management of the Garrisons' Facebook page
• the logistical coordination of special activities taking place on the grounds of the two Garrisons
SvcOpsCENOPSMontreal@forces.gc.ca
SvcOpsCENOPSst-jean@forces.gc.ca
Major Érick Marcoux-Poussart and Master Warrant Officer Steve Martin, respectively commander and sergeant major of Saint-Jean CENOPS, present the new Operations Centre poster.
Photo: MCpl Jeffrey Clément – Saint-Jean Imagery
In a nutshell
The MFRC, a good place to find a job!
The Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) – Montreal Region offers employment assistance services to military family members. Estelle Auger, Employment and Education coordinator, is there to support them in their various endeavours.
But did you know that the MFRC regularly has vacancies? At the time of writing, the team is looking for the following profiles:
• educator for the daycare centre
• reception clerk
• second-language teacher
• staffing and integration assistant
“We have a page dedicated to our job offers on our portal,” explains Catherine Bourassa, human resources director. “We are also always happy to receive unsolicited applications. Feel free to send us your CV!”
To submit your unsolicited application: SvcPersCRFMServiceRH@forces.gc.ca
Veterans: intergenerational activities for you!
The Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) – Montreal Region invites veterans to participate in activities with young children at its Saint-Jean daycare centre.
Depending on their interests, veterans can participate in activities such as drawing, crafts, reading, gardening, outdoor games or cooking workshops. All of this will take place in the presence of an educator.
This initiative aims to offer veterans a way to break social isolation, while promoting a sense of usefulness and intergenerational sharing. For young children, it will be an opportunity to meet experienced veterans, enrich their social skills and receive valuable knowledge.
The activities will take place in the morning, every day, depending on the children's attendance at the Saint-Jean daycare centre.
For more information or to participate: felixlafleur.crfm@gmail.com or 450-358-7099 # 6209.
MFRC portal
More job opportunities for military spouses!
The posting season is approaching and many military families will have to move. The Military Spouse Employment Initiative aims to provide military spouses and common-law partners with employment opportunities within the federal public service, as well as providing them with employment tools and resources.
The Department of National Defence is committed to supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and their families and has taken the following measures:
• Expanded eligibility to surviving spouses of CAF members whose death is attributable to service.
• Established an organizational need to prioritize military spouses when filling vacant positions.
• Established a pre-approved exception to the Common hybrid working model for military spouses to support work continuity and CAF members retention during deployments, where operationally feasible. This means the military spouses may be able to work remotely without having to give up their current job.
For information on how to register for the job directory for military spouses, the types of jobs and the eligibility criteria, visit the Military Spouse Employment Initiative website.
The art of shelter in winter
| Captain Christian Beauchamp, operations officer and adjutant, CC2637
On Sunday, March 9, the cadets of the 2637 Falaise-Anjou Cadet Corps, based at the Montreal Garrison, trained in the construction of improvised shelters for winter conditions and the setting up of a bivouac.
In winter conditions, the cadets learned how to build a makeshift snow trench shelter (tomb) with a flat roof and how to assemble “five-man” tents. Retired Major Patrick Allard, now a civilian instructor at the cadet corps, said he was satisfied with the cadets' participation and their work. The shelters were assembled according to the criteria taught, i.e., they were safe, comfortable and well insulated.
The cadets greatly enjoyed participating in this rewarding activity.
Military Spouse Employment Initiative website
The flat roof shelter once completed.
To build a flat roof shelter, the cadets dug trenches on top of which they installed wooden sleepers.
Photos: courtesy
National Volunteer Week
Celebrating generosity in action
| MFRC
On the occasion of National Volunteer Week, which takes place from April 27 to May 3, the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) – Montreal Region, and more specifically the two community integration officers, Maude Laflamme and Marie-Belle Meunier, would like to thank all the volunteers who have been involved with the organization between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.
To carry out its mission, the MFRC relies on the presence of several dozen volunteers during various activities. There are many opportunities: involvement on the board of directors,
volunteer mornings organized on Tuesday mornings in Saint-Hubert or Thursday mornings in Saint-Jean, major gatherings such as the Gala for military children, the welcome party or the
Thank you !
Without your involvement, the MFRC wouldn't be what it is!
Vickie Archambault
Safia Benkrilty
Lise Berteau
Diane Bérubé
Laura Biehn
Frédéric Blanchard
Laurence Boily
Mélanie Campbell
Vanessa Cinquino
Linda Côté
Christmas brunch. Volunteers are also present from time to time, over the months.
Michèle Séguin is the spouse of a veteran. She attends the Saint-Hubert MFRC every Tuesday morning. “These moments allow me to get out of the house, to keep busy while sharing pleasant moments with other participants. I particularly appreciate the opportunity to contribute to my community, while carrying out various tasks that I find both rewarding and motivating.” For Michèle Séguin, these mornings are a great opportunity to forge links while providing concrete assistance.
Whether it is an act of generosity, a means of learning, or a tool for personal transformation, volunteering is “the most beautiful expression of humanity”. Historically, the Red Cross laid the foundations for volunteering as we know it today: individuals offering their time and effort to help others, without expecting payment. Since then, volunteering has expanded into many areas, from humanitarian aid to education and community support, becoming a fundamental pillar of modern society.
Alain Dubé
Sherley Dubé
Elisabeth Dyckow
Isabel Gagné Markert
Dianne Gaze
Bibiane Guertin
Francine Isabel
Maxime Joyal
Stéphanie L. Sauvé
Yvette Labrie
Marie-Danielle
Lafrenière
Chantal Lussier
Mary Louise Macdonald
Ann Marcotte
Isabelle Marquis
Nicole Marsh
Ivana Matovina
Lauren McTaggart
Jennifer More
Josée Payeur
Melissa Pereira
Myrianne Poulin
Nathalie Prud’homme
Marie-Joanie Raymond
Darlene Ritchie
Carole-Anne Roux
Joanne Saccomani
Michèle Seguin
Nohémy St-Laurent
Daniel Tatone
Matthew Trottier
Amanda Trundle
Marion Turbide
Kamille Vallée
Caroline Vandoremalen
Michèle Séguin, volunteer, and Maude Laflamme, community integration officer.
Photo: MFRC
Military families
Take advantage of special support
| MFRC
Special education is a fundamental area of support for individuals facing difficulties in adapting or readjusting. The Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) – Montreal region invites you to take advantage of the range of services offered by its special educators.
Specialized educators play a key role in supporting people with special emotional, physical, intellectual, social and family needs, in order to help them adjust to everyday life. Their intervention aims to create an environment conducive to family harmony and personal fulfillment, taking each situation into account on an individual basis.
At the MFRC, Marie-Pier Otis-St-Gelais and Josiane Laguë are at the heart of this support. These specialized educators work with specific objectives and adapted tools to help people overcome their challenges. For example, they may visit the parents' home to help them adjust certain behaviours of their children or recommend reading material to improve the communication skills of a family member. They can also observe a child in class and offer parents advice and recommendations tailored to their academic challenges.
“Our actions translate into close support,” explains Josiane Laguë. “We offer constant support to families, taking into account family dynamics, communication and interventions with children.” Each initiative of the educators is designed to enable positive development, whether through individual follow-up, online parenting courses or educational and support workshops.
The services offered
Among the sessions offered in Saint-Hubert and Saint-Jean are:
• educational awareness workshops
• art therapy workshops
• themed days for children aged 5 to 12
• the support group for military fathers: this new project aims to equip Canadian Armed Forces personnel with the tools they need to find a better balance in their role within the family
Marie-Pier Otis-St-Gelais points out that the support provided by the specialized educators extends beyond individual sessions. “We also have a list of resources to enable families to explore educational tools, strengthen their parenting skills, and foster a more harmonious environment. Thanks to its lending library, the MFRC provides you with books and educational games.”
From April 6 to 12, Quebec Specialized Educators Week was held. The MFRC is proud to recognize and celebrate the impact of its professionals who, every day, support military families with dedication and expertise. Their work is essential in enabling those who need it to overcome their challenges and regain a better and more fulfilling quality of life.
Information
• josianne.lague@forces.gc.ca or 450-358-7099 # 2909 (Saint-Jean Garrison)
• marie-pier.otis-st-gelais@forces.gc.ca or 450-462-8777 # 6852 (Saint-Hubert) or 450-358-7099 # 2912 (Saint-Jean)
Photo: MFRC
Marie-Pier Otis-St-Gelais and Josiane Laguë.
The heart of the HOPE program: the peer helpers
| Hope Program
To highlight the National Volunteer Week, which will be held from April 27 to May 3, the HOPE program would like to shine a light on the incredible work of our peer helpers.
For nearly 20 years, the HOPE program has provided one-on-one peer support to bereaved Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and military families. The generosity and dedication of HOPE peer volunteers have made this possible, enabling us to fulfill our mandate of supporting individuals through their grief journey.
We asked some of our peer helpers to share their insights about their role and the impact of peer support. Their answers emphasize the importance of peer support, and the strength of the community created through the HOPE program.
Why did you decide to join the HOPE program as a volunteer?
While the ways in which they joined the program may differ, peer helpers agree that becoming part of the HOPE program felt like joining a family. Once being further along in their grief journey and feeling strong enough to give back to others, they decided to take part in the training and immediately felt at home.
Peer volunteers shared that being part of the program is a continuum of their healing process, where there is a reciprocity of emotions and experiences between volunteers and peers.
“A life lived and shared becomes inherently sewed into the heart of HOPE. Our loved ones are never forgotten.”
– Sandra Mellish, HOPE peer volunteer
If you are struggling with grief and you would like to receive support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the HOPE program at 1-800-883-6094 or HOPE-ESPOIR@forces.gc.ca
What is the most rewarding for you in your role with your peers?
HOPE peer helpers expressed how rewarding it is to walk alongside their peers in their grief journey, and to see them come through the other side with a new capacity to look forward to the future. Seeing someone no longer consumed by grief and knowing they had a role in that healing process is rewarding. Peer helpers are grateful to have the opportunity to be present for someone that needs help at one of the most difficult times in their life.
Why would you recommend being a HOPE volunteer to others?
Having experienced the brutal and lasting effects of losing a loved one, the peer volunteers believe that programs such as HOPE can transform personal loss into positive outcomes.
Why do you think peer support is important?
HOPE peer volunteers shared that, as well intended as they may be, suggestions from others, including family members, on how to grieve can often intensify personal grief. On the other hand, in a peer support relationship, talking with a trained peer volunteer who has experienced a similar loss helps to normalize the peer’s emotions. Knowing that the person they are talking to has been vetted, and that they understand the ups and downs of the grief process. The peers often face the difficult realization that they have changed with their loss. HOPE peer helpers provide support through this transition, helping peers understand the grieving process and guiding them toward healing.
They believe that by sharing their life experiences and stories, they help each other out in their grief. A lot of them have been with the program for years, and they strongly believe in the program and the connection it brings to the military community, which their loved ones were part of.
Being a peer helper allows them to give back, while continuing to strengthen their bond with other military families. The HOPE community is incredibly supportive, and peer helpers have found that each time they help someone else, they also evolve in their own healing process. The peer helpers have found that everything they learn as volunteers have also helped them progress as human beings.
Thank you to our peer volunteers for their continued commitment to providing compassionate and meaningful support!
PSP Team: always there for you!
The Personnel Support Programs team in the Montreal region offers a wide range of services to members of the military community and citizens. Enjoy!
A great day of skiing
On March 15, about twenty people took part in the Community Recreation's alpine skiing initiation activity at Ski Mont-Bruno. Under the supervision of outdoor specialists, beginners were able to learn the basic techniques of the sport, while the more experienced ones took to the slopes freely and independently.
New archers
Under the supervision of the community recreation specialists, around fifteen people had the opportunity to learn archery. The activity took place on March 29th in the gymnasium of the SaintJean Garrison. The specialists were also present to offer technical advice to the more experienced archers.
Photo: courtesy
Marc-Antoine Mercier (far left), from Personnel Support Programs, accompanied the participants.
I am proud to serve you!
«
Jean-Philippe Daoust-Guernon joined the PSP – Montreal Region team three years ago. Fascinated by the Canadian Armed Forces and the scope of the achievements of the Defence Team, he has no regrets about his choice.
His job is to manage the team responsible for maintaining the PSP facilities at the Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrisons and the Saint-Hubert site. He is also responsible for reservations for the premises located in the PSP areas, as well as the indoor and outdoor sports facilities at the Saint-Jean Garrison. He is recognized for his leadership and professionalism.
In his spare time, Jean-Philippe Daoust-Guernon likes to play sports. He is a hockey and baseball enthusiast. An excellent guitarist and bass player, he devotes several hours to his passion for music. He is also the bass player in the PSP Band, which puts on an annual benefit show for the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign. "
Jean-Philippe Daoust-Guernon
PSP facilities coordinator
Joined PSP in March 2022
CAF National Triathlon Championship
Attention military athletes: now is the time to submit your results to participate in the national triathlon championship, which will take place from June 26 to 29 in Quebec City as part of the Sail Challenge Cap Quebec.
If you are eligible for the sprint triathlon or the Olympic triathlon, send your results to the Montreal region Military Sports department before May 9, 2025, at SvcOpsSportsMilitairesRegionMontreal@forces.gc.ca
Military personnel
learn self-defence
On March 25 and 26, at the Montreal and Saint-Jean Garrisons, female military personnel were invited to participate in a self-defence workshop. Offered by Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete Gabriella Campos Mendanha, these classes allowed participants to learn different techniques. Eight women from the Montreal Garrison and 11 from the Saint-Jean Garrison accepted the invitation. Passionate about her sport and wanting to help women feel confident in difficult situations, Ms. Campos Mendanha taught them effective and powerful techniques that took into account their bodies and their environment. The CAF members said they loved their experience and wanted to learn more about the subject.
The course was offered as part of the CAF Women in Sport program. If you have any suggestions for training courses that fit within this program, please contact the Military Sports Department of the Montreal region at SvcOpsSportsMilitairesRegionMontreal@forces.gc.ca
Photos: courtesy
Participants at the Saint-Jean Garrison, with athlete Gabriella Campos Mendanha.
Participants at the Montreal Garrison, with athlete Gabriella Campos Mendanha.
Spotlight on strong women and men
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
Twenty-two CAF members took part in the powerlifting competition held on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March at the Saint-Jean Garrison sports centre.
The participants, 15 men and seven women, came from several Reserve and Regular Force units, including the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS), the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, the 51st, 52nd and 57th Field Ambulances, the Fusiliers Mont-Royal, 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Corporate Services, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Donnacona, the Royal Montreal Regiment and 1 Dental Unit – Saint-Jean Detachment.
Michael Maillet, fitness and sports instructor at the Montreal Garrison, explains that the competition was held over two days to allow reservists to participate. “It was easier for them to take a weekend day off.”
Participants took turns in the three disciplines of classic powerlifting: the squat, the bench press and the deadlift.
The final ranking was determined by calculating the average number of kilograms lifted in the three disciplines based on the athlete's weight. At the end of each day of competition, two participants, one man and one woman, were named. Mr. Maillet mentions that the level of competition was high over the two days. “Particularly on Saturday, in the men's event, it was very close between the top three athletes.”
This competition was organized by the Fitness and Sports team of the Montreal Garrison. “We also had the help of a few instructors from the Saint-Jean Garrison and Captain Valérie Leone from the 34th Canadian Brigade Group headquarters. Capt Leone is a specialist in powerlifting competitions. Her experience was beneficial to us, as it was the first time my team had organized this kind of event,” Mr. Maillet concluded.
Photos: Cpl YongKu Kang – Saint-Jean Imagery
Participants, such as Captain Charles Denis of the 52 nd Field Ambulance, gave it their all to lift the heaviest weights.
Captain Ahmad Chahine, from the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, during his bench press attempts.
The winners of Friday, March 14
Men
1st place: Captain Charles Denis, 52nd Field Ambulance
2nd place: Sergeant Danny Ouellet, Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School
3rd place: Sergeant Donald Mathurin, Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School
Women
1st position: Corporal Jo Hesed Fils-Aimé, 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Corporate Services
2nd position: Captain Fatou Camara, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Donnacona
Winners of Saturday, March 15
Men
1st position: Master Corporal Jean-Philippe Fortin, 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
2nd position: Master Corporal Étienne Germain-Gauvin, 51st Field Ambulance
3rd position: Officer Cadet Romain Simard, Royal Military College Saint-Jean
Women
1st position: Private Irena Divine Tsafack, Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal
2nd position: Corporal Noémie Rioux, 1st Dental Unit –Saint-Jean Detachment
3rd place: Private Alexy Pichette, 51st Field Ambulance
Corporal Jo Hesed Fils-Aimé, from the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Corporate Services, during her squat trials.
Sergeant Donald Mathurin, from the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, during the deadlift event
Captain Simon Michaud, from the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, was among the participants in the powerlifting competition.
3 Canadian Support Unit
takes up the challenge
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
On March 10, 25 members of the 3 Canadian Support Unit (3 CSU) were at the Saint-Jean Garrison sports centre to take up the Warrior Challenge.
Sergeant Simon Busque explains that the aim of the activity was to challenge the unit members physically and mentally and to increase team cohesion. “The members took advantage of the opportunity to surpass themselves and encourage their peers.”
The Warrior Challenge is a test taken by candidates at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, as well as by military personnel. It consists of four events aimed at pushing the body to its limits and testing muscular endurance. The members of 3 CSU completed three events in this challenge, including shooting and pushing heavy loads.
Sgt Busque concluded by thanking the Saint-Jean Garrison Fitness and Sports team who prepared the gymnasium and the equipment needed to hold the activity. “They gave us the opportunity to test ourselves in the Warrior Challenge and helped us achieve our goal. Having the chance to take on this kind of challenge is one of the reasons why people enlist and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Photo: Yves Bélanger
Corporal Derek Ford during the drag and pull event.
A host of activities for
everyone
The Community Recreation Department of the Saint-Jean Garrison is offering a range of activities in May and June. There is something for everyone, and they are aimed at singles, couples and families alike.
Thanks to the Circonflexe-prêt-pour-bouger program , residents of the Montérégie region can participate free of charge (please note that proof of residence is required at the time of the activity). Fees may apply for non-residents.
Introduction to cartography
May 3 – location to be confirmed
Registration deadline: April 25
Activity to discover how to use a compass and a map in fun and practical activities.
Introduction to mountain hiking
May 10 – Cime Mont Saint-Grégoire
Registration deadline: April 25
Easy outing to Mont Saint-Grégoire to discover the joys of walking in nature. Walking sticks are provided.
Cycling excursion
May 17 – Centre-de-Plein-Air-RonaldBeauregard, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Registration deadline: April 25
Bike ride on the Chambly canal path with a visit to Fort Chambly. Approximately 40 km round trip on flat terrain. Bikes and helmets provided.
Nature Photo Rally
May 24 – Saint-Jean Garrison
Registration deadline: May 20
Outing in the region to discover new natural and outdoor points of interest. You will travel by car within a radius of about 40 km and end your trip in a park for a picnic. The rally is not a race, but a series of activities to be done at the various stopping points.
Reservation deposits
At the time of registration, a deposit of $20/person will be required for a oneday activity and $50/person for activities lasting more than one day. Deposits will be fully refunded to participants who attend the activities.
Those who do not show up for the activity and those who do not notify the Saint-Jean Garrison sports centre of their absence at least five days before the activity will not be refunded the deposit they made when they registered.
If the Recreation Department cancels an activity, all deposits will be fully refunded.
Sunrise at the mountain top
May 31 – Sutton
Registration deadline: May 26
Outing to discover night hiking and enjoy a magnificent sunrise at the top of the mountain. You will have a breakfast to enjoy the morning and then return to the trails. Headlamps are provided and it's possible to borrow a backpack.
Introduction to survival
June 7 – Valcourt
Registration deadline: May 20
Before the activity, you must attend two theoretical training sessions on the principles of survival. Lasting two hours, they will be offered in virtual mode (Teams). During the activity, participants will put the knowledge they have acquired into practice. All the equipment necessary for survival is provided, including food.
Introduction to river canoeing
June 14 – Chambly
Registration deadline: June 9
This outing includes two hours of theory and practice in calm water, a lunch break and the descent of the Richelieu River to the Chambly rapids.
Introduction to paddleboarding
June 21 – Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix
Registration deadline: June 16
Free paddleboarding activity that also gives you access to the beach and activities such as volleyball. You can arrive and leave at your convenience.
