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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.
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The 35 Signal Regiment goes green!
The Regiment's training increasingly incorporates green technologies, such as
communication systems and the use of electric vehicles for certain missions. Every little bit counts, both in the field and in our daily lives, to ensure a sustainable future.
Changes of command
6e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment
On Sunday, April 13, in the presence of 80 guests and a guard of 50 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, the command team of the 6 e Bataillon, Royal 22 e Régiment (6 R22 eR), composed of Lieutenant-Colonel Sébastien Campagna and Chief Warrant Officer Paul Chagnon, officially handed over responsibility for the unit to Lieutenant-Colonel Éric Beaudoin and Master Warrant Officer Vincent Rodier.
LCol Beaudoin previously commanded the Fusiliers de Sherbrooke, The Sherbrooke Hussars armoured reconnaissance regiment, and the 51 Field Ambulance. The new regimental sergeant major Rodier is from the 6 R22eR. He has served overseas and currently holds the position of training sergeant major at the 34 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School. In their new roles, the two men will also be able to count on the support of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Nellie Robin and deputy commanding officer Major Daniel Parenteau.
2 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
| Captain Eric Messier, public affairs officer, 2 CRPG
On April 25, 2025, Lieutenant-Colonel Karl Perreault assumed command of the 2 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (2 CRPG) during a ceremony presided over by Brigadier-General Patrick Lemyre, commander of the 2 nd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force (East). The ceremony was held at 2 CRPG headquarters in Saint-Jean.
Lieutenant Colonel Perreault replaces Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Hilaréguy, who had commanded 2 CRPG since 2022.
Brigadier-General Patrick Lemyre thanked Lieutenant-Colonel Hilaréguy for his work and offered his support to Lieutenant-Colonel Perreault. “I am grateful for the excellent work accomplished by Lieutenant-Colonel Hilaréguy during his command of the 2 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. I congratulate the new commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Karl Perreault, on his appointment. He can count on my unequivocal support to ensure that the Rangers of 2 CRPG continue to fulfill their mandate in the communities of Quebec's Far North.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Perreault, the designated commander, said, “I am very pleased to be joining the 2 CRPG team. The Rangers' mission speaks to me personally, and I look forward to contributing to their collective success. Having always admired the Rangers' commitment and resilience, I am honoured to be able to bring my experience to the organization. Together, we will meet challenges and achieve our goals with determination and team spirit.”
The Royal 22e Regiment’s mascot, Baptiste the Goat, Corporal J.P. Michaud, goat major, Lieutenant Colonel Sébastien Campagna, outgoing commander, Colonel David Shane, commander of the 34 Canadian Brigade Group, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Beaudoin, designated commander, Lieutenant General (retired) Marc Lessard, honorary colonel of the R22eR.
Photo:
Cpl Jocelyn Vachon –
R22eR
From left to right: Chief Warrant Officer Sébastien Fortier (2 CRPG sergeant major), LieutenantColonel Geneviève Auclair (2 CRPG Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel), Lieutenant-Colonel Karl Perreault (designated commanding officer), Brigadier-General Patrick Lemyre (2 Cdn Div / JTF commanding officer), Lieutenant-Colonel Nicolas Hilaréguy (outgoing commanding officer) and Chief Warrant Officer Patrice Chartrand (2 Cdn Div / JTF sergeant major).
Brigadier-General Patrick Lemyre hands over the symbolic 2 CRPG axe to the designated commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Karl Perreault.
Photo: Capt Eric Messier
Thank you!
You are indispensable!
| Servir
On April 26, as part of National Volunteer Week, volunteers from the mess, the Personnel Support Programs (PSP) recreation department, and the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Montreal Region were invited to brunch. The event was intended to highlight the importance of their contribution and commitment to the military community. Without them, Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families would not enjoy as many activities and services in our region.
About 40 people accepted the invitation from the MFRC and the PSP. In addition to enjoying a delicious meal, they had the opportunity to entertain themselves at the recreational casino game tables. The event was held at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean’ Vieux Mess and various door prizes were drawn during the event.
Medical Transition: Have You Thought About Your Finances?
Career transition is a special time in a soldier’s life, but even more so when it comes from a medical discharge.
This release process is generally long and more restrictive, as the claiming process can take time.
This situation brings its own share of financial stress and anxiety, especially if it’s not voluntary. However, in this situation, you may be eligible for an extended disability benefit up to the age of 65.
You may also be eligible for an allowance for loss of income. This would be modulated according to any wages earned from work, which would be deducted from this allowance. This taxable allowance will also produce annual slips. It is important not to confuse it with pensions, which are usually tax-free.
Finally, the premiums you paid for long-term disability insurance can be deducted from your total income. To do this, it’s important to keep the confirmation letter so you can use it when you file your annual tax declaration.
In medical transition, you’ll receive several taxable incomes. Consequently, you’ll need to adjust your tax deductions at source to avoid unpleasant surprises after your April tax declaration such as owing a larger amount of tax than expected. (On this particular point, see the column: “Don’t Let Taxes Catch You Off Guard: Source Deductions and Career Transition” which you can find by following this link.)
Every transition path is different and may be more complex than you thought. Your financial advisor would be in the best position to support you at every stage of a medical transition.
PATRICE BERGERON Directeur général
Photos: Marie-Josée Bouchard – PSP Montreal Region
Many raffles were held thanks to the generosity of CANEX and BMO. From left to right: Martin Langelier and Katy de Grandpré, representatives of BMO, Darlène Ritchie, volunteer at the Military Family Resource Centre, winner, and Liane Ostiguy, representative of BMO.
Volunteers from the golf club. Back row: Jean-Louis Turcotte and his wife Francine Sirois, and Robert Bélanger. Front row: Mario Chartrand and his wife Françoise Boucher, and Chantal Lavoie and her husband Robert Bélanger.
Guests had a great time at the recreational casino tables.
C’EST UN RENDEZ-VOUS! IT’S A DATE!
COLLÈGE MILITAIRE ROYAL DE SAINT-JEAN
5 JUIN 2025 - À PARTIR DE 9 H
ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE SAINT-JEAN
JUNE 5, 2025 - STARTING AT 9 A.M.
JOURNÉE DE LA SANTÉ ET DU LOISIR EN SELLE POUR OP LASSO
HEALTH AND RECREATION DAY
SADDLE UP FOR OP LASSO
Ouvert aux militaires (actifs et retraités) et leur famille ainsi qu’aux employés civils de la Défense (Fonction publique et Fonds non publics).
Open to military (active et retired) and their families also to civilian Defence employees (Public Service and Non-Public Funds).
The Rangers train in northern Quebec
| Captain Eric Messier, Public Affairs Officer, 2 CRPG
Over the past few months, patrols from the 2 nd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (2 CRPG) have taken part in local and regional training in the northern regions of Quebec.
The 2 CRPG is responsible for an area covering almost three quarters of the surface area of the province of Quebec. This area of responsibility is itself divided into three large regions: James Bay, Nunavik and the Lower North Shore.
Each region organizes a large-scale training exercise every year, bringing together several patrols. These training exercises are an opportunity for the Canadian Rangers to develop their skills and improve their knowledge in several areas such as leadership, navigation, survival techniques, search and rescue, communications and snowmobiling. These activities take place under the supervision of Ranger instructors from 2 CRPG headquarters (HQ). Each of these training sessions also includes a day dedicated to traditional activities, which may include hunting or ice fishing.
One aspect of the training involves building an austere landing strip that will allow a properly equipped plane to land safely. This makes it possible to land a plane equipped with skis on the surface of a frozen lake.
This year, the James Bay region and the Lower North Shore region were visited by members of the 2 CRPG HQ. These visits allow the Canadian Rangers to meet the members of the HQ.
On February 20, after a journey of a few hours, a delegation from 2 CRPG HQ arrived on Lake Nasquiperdu, located about 250 kilometres northwest of Chibougamau. An austere landing strip had been prepared by the Rangers to receive the plane, which landed safely. It was with justifiable pride that the Rangers welcomed the visitors from the south.
A week later, a second delegation from 2 CRPG HQ travelled to the Lower North Shore region, this time to land on the austere landing strip and meet the Canadian Rangers on patrol in the area.
These annual training sessions focused not only on acquiring new skills, but also on strengthening team spirit and building bridges between remote communities. The frozen lakes became places of meeting and learning, a reminder that even in the vast expanses of solitude, collaboration can overcome the most daunting challenges.
Photo: Capt Eric Messier
In James Bay, the 2 CRPG headquarters delegation poses with the Canadian Rangers during intensive training on Nasquiperdu Lake.
The Montreal Region Service Centre –
Small arms shooting simulator
At the cutting edge of technology
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
Shooting is an essential skill for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. In order to maintain it, they must practice regularly. In the region, they have access to the outdoor firing range at the Farnham training site and to the Small Arms Training Simulator (SATS) at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS). The SATS allows them to keep their hand in. Above all, it allows this skill to be taught to candidates at the School.
At the Saint-Jean Garrison, for several years, the CAF members practiced indoor shooting in hangar H-104 using equipment that was several years old. “In the 2000s, the CFLRS inaugurated the SATS. In 2023, it was moved to the new academic building,” explains Sergeant Alain Despatis”, commander of the small arms simulator. “There are four practice rooms where you can practice single or repeated firing, without ammunition. The weapons used with
the simulator are replicas of the official weapons of the CAF. The simulator offers a shooting experience with a realism level of 70%.”
Several scenarios
Sergeant Despatis explains that the SATS is a computerized system that allows up to eight trainees to be trained in the use of small arms.
“The trainees practice shooting using realistic exercises controlled by an instructor from the instructor's control station.”
He adds that the instructor can create or modify training exercises on his computer. “At the end of an exercise, he can replay the exercise and give his comments and criticisms to the trainees.”
During their Basic Military Qualification (BMQ), CFLRS candidates have a 40-minute period reserved for theory and another on the rules of engagement. Throughout their training, they familiarize themselves with the main working tool of the armed forces: the C7A2 automatic rifle. “Afterwards, they have 28 40-minute periods on weapon handling. On the shooting simulator, they have nine 40-minute training periods.”
From the fourth week onwards, each candidate is assigned a weapon. They must assume a higher level of responsibility. “As soon as the candidates take possession of it, they are responsible for ensuring that it is handled and secured properly. They must maintain it regularly and keep it in good working order.”
Sgt Despatis concludes by explaining that thanks to this simulator, the success rate in the shooting test at the firing range has increased considerably. “Those who have more difficulty mastering shooting can come and train in their free time. They must absolutely pass their shooting test in order to continue their training.”
For all military personnel
The Small Arms Training Simulator is mainly used by the CFLRS. However, all CAF members can request access to it for training. This is often the case for military personnel who are preparing to deploy or who want to maintain their shooting skills.
Sergeant Alain Despatis, commander of the
Ex ADRÉNERGIQUE RÉSIDENCE 2025
Be ready to intervene with civilian organizations
| Corporal Valérie Duclos-Péloquin
From March 21 to 23, reservists from the 51 Field Ambulance (51 Fd Amb) took part, together with members of the Regular Force and the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre, in Exercise ADRÉNERGIQUE RÉSIDENCE 2025 (AR 25) at the Farnham training site.
51 Fd Amb was able to collaborate not only with the Regular Force, but also with first responders, volunteers from St. John Ambulance, and medical and resident students from the specialized emergency medicine program of the Université de Montreal (SEMP).
This exercise is an annual meeting between the 51 Fd Amb and the SEMP residents, which generally takes place at Notre-Dame hospital in Montreal. It consists of a simulation of the triage, collection and evacuation of a large number of injured people from a collection point until they are evacuated to a hospital.
Photos: Corporal Valérie Duclos-Péloquin
Corporal Anouk Sackhouse, of the 51 Field Ambulance, exercises with Rosalie Lajeunesse from the St. John Ambulance.
Exercise AR 25 was an unforgettable experience for everyone, especially for the SEMP students, for whom it was a first. The participants had the opportunity to practice in an uncontrolled environment, with temporary military facilities serving as unit emergency first aid centres. They also collaborated with the volunteer first aiders of the St. John Ambulance, who supported them throughout the day of March 22 by taking charge of the management of mass casualties and the first triage level. This added even more authenticity to the training scenarios.
In the context of international and domestic operations, members of 51 Fd Amb are expected to work very closely with several partners in the medical field of emergency care, and this in an irregular context. Whether with the Regular Force, first civilian medical responders or emergency physicians, reservists must be well trained and ready to respond to the call to save lives.
Exercise AR 25 allowed for the practice of intensive care knowledge necessary for the administration of medical treatment to victims of mass injuries. It took place in a collaborative context with several actors from the emergency medical domain, in a field operation setting. By creating essential links, civil and military partners contributed to effective intervention during domestic and international operations.
Major Valérie Homier and Corporal Idriss Benchekroun, from the 51 Field Ambulance, practice conducting medical operations with medical students from the Université de Montréal and members of the St. John Ambulance.
Changes that will reduce the carbon footprint of our garrisons
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
By 2030, major changes such as the construction of a new thermal power plant (Montreal) and the replacement of boilers (Saint-Jean) will take place to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by the two garrisons.
William Giguère-Bruneau, Energy Officer with the Real Property Operations Unit (RPOU) –Saint-Jean Detachment, explains that since the end of 2021, the Saint-Jean Garrison has been committed to an ambitious tactical energy plan aimed at significantly reducing GHG emissions. “The main objective of this plan is to reduce these environmentally harmful gases by 90% by 2050. The only viable way to achieve the targets set by the Department of National Defence (DND) is to reduce energy consumption.”
Andres Mercado-Salomon, property management technician at the RPOU – Valcartier Detachment and regional manager for the implementation of the tactical plan, points out that in Quebec, reducing GHG emissions mainly involves reducing the use of fossil fuels. “This is a major challenge, as they are less expensive than renewable alternatives,” he explains.
He adds that they are mainly used for temperature control in buildings. “Thermal power plants alone produce 80% of GHG emissions, both at the Saint-Jean Garrison and the Montreal Garrison,” says Mr. Giguère-Bruneau. As an example, he explains that the Saint-Jean
Garrison alone emitted 7,847 tons of greenhouse gases in 2005 and that the changes planned in the tactical plan should reduce carbon emissions to 2,655 tons. The project measures are scheduled to be implemented by the end of the 2027-2028 fiscal year.
It should be noted that thermal power plants produce heat using steam emitted by their natural gas-fired boilers. “At the Saint-Jean Garrison, the thermal power plant supplies the megastructure, the academic building, and hangars 101, 102, and 103. These few buildings account for the detachment's largest energy consumption,” said Mr. Giguère-Bruneau.
Tailored solutions for each garrison
Among the solutions selected is the replacement of two of the four boilers in the Saint-Jean Garrison's thermal power plant. “They will be replaced by much more efficient equipment,” says Mr. Giguère-Bruneau, adding that more details will be provided in the coming years.
The biggest changes will take place at the Montreal Garrison. “Due to the condition of the thermal power plant, it has been decided to replace it with a brand new infrastructure. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027,” said Mr. Mercado-Salomon.
The mandate of this new thermal power plant will be different. “Unlike the current infrastructure, the new plant will only heat the southern section of the Montreal Garrison. Studies have shown that heat transfer from the south to the north represents a significant loss of energy. Another heating method will be planned for the northern section, which we will unveil in due course.”
Although this work will require a significant investment, it will pay for itself over a 15-year period. “Without this investment, the payback period would be much longer,” explains Mr. Mercado-Salomon.
Many players will have a role to play
Mr. Giguère-Bruneau notes that the success of this tactical GHG reduction plan depends on the participation of all members of the organization. “Four energy committees will be set up over the next year. Each will have a specific role, namely awareness, project design, operational control, and data collection.”
He concludes by reiterating that this organizational change is essential to achieving the objectives set by the DND. “It is with the help of all users of our garrisons that we will succeed in achieving the objectives set,” he concludes.
Photos: courtesy
William Giguère-Bruneau, energy officer, Real Property Operations Unit – Saint-Jean Detachment.
Andres Mercado-Salomon is a property management technician with the RPOU (Quebec) – Valcartier Detachment.
Battle of the Atlantic
A historic moment highlighted in a significant way
In Trois-Rivières, members of His Majesty's Canadian Ship Radisson paraded to the ceremony site.
Photo: Facebook HMCS Radisson
The Battle of the Atlantic is commemorated annually at the Tour de l’horloge in the Old Port of Montreal.
The traditional cannon shots were fired in Montreal in memory of this important moment in our history.
Many people accompanied the crew of His Majesty's Canadian Ship Radisson to the Esplanade in Trois-Rivières.
Photo: Facebook HMCS Radisson
Photo: Facebook HMCS Donnacona
Photo: Facebook HMCS Donnacona
Alfred Duval
A hero of the Royal
Canadian Navy
| Servir with the collaboration of Éric De Wallens
On the first Sunday in May, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) commemorates the Battle of the Atlantic. Servir presents a portrait of Alfred Duval, who served in the RCN during the Second World War. His story was told to veteran Éric De Wallens by his daughter, Nicole Duval, now 88 years old.
Nicole Duval was only eight years old when her father passed away. However, she says she still has fond memories of this man who died for his country. She speaks with great pride of him and the various honours he received during his military service. “He received several medals, including the 1939-1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, the War Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with bar.”
Enlistment
Known to his family as Henry, Alfred Duval announced to his wife Bertha and their five children in 1942 that he had chosen to voluntarily enlist in the Royal Canadian Navy to defend the values of Canada and the United Kingdom.
Alfred Duval took part in the Battle of the Atlantic, a crucial campaign in support of the British war effort. Convoys of merchant ships, protected by warships, transported essential supplies despite the constant threat of German submarines. The convoy strategy consisted of grouping ships together to reduce the risk of an attack and maximize protection.
Between March 25, 1942, and June 21, 1944, Alfred Duval sailed on several ships, including Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Cartier, HMCS Montreal, HMCS Cornwallis, HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Baddeck, HMCS Llewellyn and HMCS Shawinigan. His job as a steward took him to the officers’ messes, where he served meals, made coffee and looked after the kitchen.
Difficult times for the family
When he was on leave, Alfred Duval would return home to enjoy time with his family. “He would tell us that there were more sugar and food on board his ship than here. We were rationed,” says Nicole Duval.
She mentions that this period was difficult for her family. “We didn't know what he was doing at all. What's more, we lived in fear because we knew there were submarines in the Saint-Laurent.”
From this period, Mrs. Duval remembers and tells us about the arrest of the German Werner von Janowski, code name Bobbi. “He disembarked from the German submarine U-518 on November 9, 1942, near New Carlisle in the Gaspé Peninsula.” His mission was to make contact with Adrien Arcand, a Quebec Nazi sympathizer living in Montreal. He was quickly unmasked by a 10-year-old boy, Fabien Sinnett.
Photos: courtesy
HMCS Shawinigan.
A tragic end
On June 21, 1944, Alfred Duval boarded the HMCS Shawinigan, a K-136 maritime vessel, which entered service on September 19, 1941, in Quebec City. This ship escorted convoys on the Atlantic and was assigned to escort missions off the east coast of Canada.
Unfortunately, on November 24, 1944, the HMCS Shawinigan was attacked by the German submarine U-1228. “The ship sank in five minutes, resulting in the tragic loss of all 91 crew members.”
Nicole sadly recalls that moment: “They never found his body. Some said that six bodies had been recovered, but we never knew who they were.” Alfred Duval was one of 4,400 Canadian sailors killed in the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest battle of the Second World War.
Nicole Duval
Alfred Duval (circled in red) with members of the crew of the HMCS Shawinigan.
For information and to submit your application
Managers: hire military spouses
The Military Spouse Employment Initiative aims to provide spouses and common-law partners of military personnel with employment opportunities within the federal public service, as well as providing them with employment tools and resources.
Whether you are a military manager, a public service manager within the Department of National Defence (DND) or a manager in another government department or organization, you can hire a military spouse from the DND directory. You must complete the Referral Request form and submit it to MilitarySpouseEmployment-Emploidesconjointsdemilitaires@ forces.gc.ca.
The job directory for military spouses is an effective option for filling permanent or temporary positions in your organization. This initiative contributes directly to supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.
Support Our Troops Scholarships: prepare your application
Families of active and retired Canadian Armed Forces members can now apply for the Support Our Troops National Scholarship Program until July 17, at 3 p.m. A selection committee will review the applications and the names of the recipients will be announced by email. A minimum of 75 scholarships, ranging from $500 to $3,500, will be awarded.
The scholarships are intended for students enrolled in an undergraduate or college program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized Canadian university or college. Those pursuing graduate studies or enrolled in a vocational college are also invited to apply.
They gave blood
On April 8, the Héma-Québec team was at the Saint-Jean Garrison for its spring blood drive. Some 60 people participated. “Of that number, 17 were first-time donors,” said Master Corporal Laurie Virique, medical laboratory technologist at the 41 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre and lead organizer of the event. Each blood donation can save up to three lives.
Photo: Yves Bélanger
Sergeant Dominick Grenier, from Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.
It will facilitate your second language learning
At the Saint-Jean Garrison, the Study and Resource Center – Army Zone offers CAF members in the region (Regular Force and Reserve) a space specially designed to promote the learning of French or English. There are two workstations (cubicles), a space dedicated to reading, a group work table, and much more!
Come discover books, magazines, novels, learning materials, and tools to prepare for Public Service Commission of Canada assessments. You can also borrow various reference books.
The Center is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located in the blue sector, inside the Canadian Forces Language School Resource Centre (room D-200).
Information : EFSLO_AC@forces.gc.ca
Mother and military mother
Is there a difference?
| Catherine Sévigny, military mother
The easy answer is yes and no! What unites these two realities is that being a mother always means having your children in mind, juggling between home, work and a thousand other responsibilities worthy of the 12 labours of Asterix! For military personnel, the major difference lies in our absences due to training, exercises or deployments, which are essential to ensure the security of the country, both here and abroad. We also have the task of promoting the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in our communities.
My name is Catherine Sévigny. Two days a week, I am a service promotion officer at the Military Family Resource Center in Sherbrooke. Three days a week, I am Master Warrant Officer Catherine Sévigny, clarinetist with the Fusiliers de Sherbrooke Band. Every day, 24 hours a day, I am Philippe's spouse and Louka and Maïna's mother.
As a reservist, I don't have to deal with the frequent moves and relocations that regular military personnel experience. On the other hand, absence is a reality for my family. My evening and weekend work for the CAF often deprived me of time with my children, even though they were available for me. I saw this as a constraint, but also as an advantage: my spouse was thus able to invest more in the home and create his own relationship with our children, apart from my omnipresence. Swimming lessons? That was him. Going tobogganing? That was also him. I would have liked to share these moments with the family, but I learned to create other ones. That's how our Sunday evening suppers became sacred, as did our hikes and stays in mountain huts. And over time, these shared moments become even more valuable, because as the children grow up, they lead their own lives more and more.
I have also had to leave for long and demanding training courses, or even abroad, without them. I know what it means for a mother to leave her loved ones behind. But at the same time, I thrive in my role as a soldier and I am proud of what I do. It is also a legacy that I pass on to them: a passion for my work. I try to keep in touch when I'm away, while accepting that there is a 'before' and 'after' to be managed together.
The art of finding a balance
Another interesting question to ask is: is it so different being a military mother or a military father? To this question, I would like to answer no. We wear the same uniform, perform the same tasks and, depending on the family organization, we can share responsibilities equally. Of course, there are some nuances depending on the choices of each individual. The moment when one decides to have children remains a decisive stage, especially during the first years of the child's life, but this is not an absolute rule.
In this month dedicated to recognizing the contribution of mothers to the well-being of their families, I feel privileged to have a part-time military
job. This has allowed me to find a balance between my career, my family and the time I need for myself. When I have to work on weekends, I have days off during the week that allow me to manage the house or simply to refocus. In this way, I realize that to be fully fulfilled, I need both my family and my work. Knowing how to prioritize and make time for yourself is a real art, as is being attentive to your loved ones. A sometimes fragile balance, but achievable!
So celebrating motherhood sometimes means spending time with my loved ones, and sometimes it also means... taking some well-deserved time off!
Catherine Sévigny is a clarinetist in the Fusiliers de Sherbrooke band. From left to right: Philippe Lafortune, her partner, Catherine, Denis Sévigny, Catherine's uncle, Louka and Maïna.
Photo: courtesy
They learned how to climb safely
On April 12, about 15 people attended an introductory climbing session at the Saint-Jean Garrison sports centre. Under the supervision of specialized community recreation staff, participants learned basic climbing techniques in a safe environment.
Introductory courses, advanced technique courses, and open climbing sessions are offered each season at the Saint-Jean Garrison sports centre.
Get all the details in the Saint-Jean recreation program
They walked with their dogs
What could be more enjoyable than going for a walk with your dog? On April 5, the Saint-Jean Garrison recreation department offered two two-hour walks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Participants had the opportunity to discover or rediscover the nature trails in the Parulines park located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Plein Soleil Day Camp: a few spots left
CAF members and citizens can still register their children for the Plein Soleil Day Camp at the Saint-Jean Garrison. Running from June 25 to August 15, the camp offers a varied, bilingual program in a safe and stimulating environment.
This camp, organized by the Saint-Jean Garrison community recreation department, ranked third among all day camps offered by the Personnel Support Programs across the country. It stands out for its trained and competent counselors, safe supervision, unique facilities, attractive weekly themes and, above all, its quality, certified service, recognized by the Association des camps du Québec.
I am proud to serve you!
«
Pascal Vincent is a veteran with a patriotic spirit who continues to want to serve his country. A kinesiologist by training, he began at PSP - Montreal Region as a Health Promotion manager. Working for PSP allows him to indulge his military side a little more.
In 2023, he became PSP deputy senior manager. In this role, he assists the senior manager in his tasks. He is also responsible for managing PSP operations as well as employee training and recognition. More specifically, he supervises two departments, facilities and messes. He also represents PSP to the military chain of command.
When he is not at work, he enjoys playing music. He is also a guitarist in the PSP Band, which puts on an annual benefit show for the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign. He is also passionate about sailing, sports and martial arts.
Pascal Vincent Deputy senior manager Joined PSP
in March 2010
A successful birdwatching outing
On April 27, the Saint-Jean Garrison community recreation organized an outing to the Marguerite-D'Youville wildlife refuge in Châteaugay. Accompanied by an enthusiastic guide, participants had the opportunity to discover the spectacular diversity of birds. This introduction to bird watching allowed them to admire the birds and take some magnificent photographs.
The RMC Saint-Jean highlights its students' athletic achievements
| Servir
In keeping with tradition, the athletic achievements of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) students were celebrated with great fanfare at the Sports Merit Gala. The event, organized by the College's Personnel Support Programs (PSP) team, was held on May 8.
Congratulations to the officer and naval cadets who distinguished themselves in sports during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Giving it your all
This year's guest of honour was Alexandre Gagné, player #34 for the Alouette de Montréal. He combines his career as a professional football player with that of a wealth management advisor at a banking institution.
He told the officer and naval cadets about the importance of perseverance and always giving your all, both in professional and personal life.
“I've always been good at sports, but I've never been an elite athlete, the strongest or the most imposing player. However, I've always been the one who worked the hardest on the field, and that's how I managed to make my mark in the world of professional football.”
He encouraged students not to give up, even in the most difficult times. “It hasn't always been easy for me, but I've managed to forge my own path. Focus on doing things right. That's how you'll succeed in pushing your limits.”
Patrick Lévesque, inter-service sports coordinator at RMC Saint-Jean, with football player Alexandre Gagné.
Photos: RMC Saint-Jean
Headliners
The recipients were selected based on the four pillars on which the training of officer and naval cadets is based.
The students were first selected by their coaches for their athletic performance on the Remparts' representative teams. They were then evaluated on their performance in the three other pillars: military, academic, and bilingualism.
These recipients have effectively managed their academic and athletic agendas, while meeting military and bilingualism requirements.
Officer Cadet Ludovic Lehoux (hockey), Officer Cadet Thomas Trudel (archery), Officer Cadet Sophie Gauthier (soccer), and Naval Cadet Alyssa Roberge (cross-country, athletics and triathlon).
Female Athlete of the Year
The finalists were:
• Naval Cadet Alyssa Roberge – CrossCountry, Athletics and Triathlon
• Officer Cadet Sophie Gauthier – Soccer
• Officer Cadet Daphney Therrien – Judo
• Officer Cadet Céleste Marois – Taekwondo
• Officer Cadet Hannah Greer – Hockey
Coach of the Year
This award recognizes the outstanding achievements of a coach working with Remparts’ representative teams.
Male Athlete of the Year
The finalists were:
• Officer Cadet Nicolas Cayer – Soccer
• Officer Cadet Matisse Potvin – Judo
• Officer Cadet Liam Bronsema – CrossCountry, Athletics and Triathlon
• Officer Cadet Constantin Berceanu – Taekwondo
• Officer Cadet Ludovic Lehoux – Hockey
Most Valuable Player on Civilian Teams
Through partnerships with various organizations, RMC SaintJean students play on civilian teams. This award honours the most outstanding student athlete on their team.
Benjamin Leboeuf –Taekwondo coach.
Officer Cadet Gauthier –Géants’ soccer team.
The winner, Officer Cadet Liam Bronsema.
The winner, Officer Cadet Sophie Gauthier.
Remparts teams’ most valuable players
These awards honour the most outstanding student-athletes on Remparts’ representative teams.
Cross-Country, Athletics and Triathlon Naval Cadet Alyssa Roberge.
Soccer Officer Cadet Loïc Lessard.
Hockey Officer Cadet Loïc Searles and Officer Cadet Étienne Ouellet (not pictured).
Military skills team Officer Cadet Nathan Martin.
Judo Officer Cadet Daphney Therrien.
Taekwondo Officer Cadet Constantin Berceanu.
PSP Triathlon
Committed to pushing themselves!
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
Nearly 200 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and civilian employees of the Department of National Defence (public service and non-public funds) gathered at the Montreal Garrison Sports Centre on Friday, April 11, to take on the challenge of the annual Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Triathlon.
In the women's individual competition, the best time was achieved by Lieutenant Victoria Moisan of the 1 Canadian Field Hospital. In the men's individual competition, the winner was Justin Monfette-Théoret, a physical fitness and sports instructor at the Montreal Garrison.
In the team event, the Triathl'on Fire trio triumphed. The team was made up of Corporal Emerick Voyer-Nault and Corporal Emeric Labelle from the 3 Canadian Support Unit (3 CSU), as well as Pierre-Alexandre Gervais, physical fitness and sports instructor at the Montreal Garrison.
The main organizer of the event, Michael Maillet, physical conditioning and sports instructor at the Montreal Garrison, was visibly extremely satisfied with how the day went. “It was really the commitment and determination of the participants that made this event such a great success,” he said, promising that the PSP Triathlon would return in 2026.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jon Fortin-Grondin, commander of the 3 Canadian Support Unit.
Corporal Alyssia Mendey-Cintellus and Corporal Koby Fournier of the 3 Canadian Support Unit, Private Federico Sanchez Colunga of the Fusiliers Mont-Royal, and Corporal Jed Coulombe of the 3 CSU.
Warrant Officer Doru-Ionut Lamureanu of the 3 Canadian Support Unit.
In the women's individual event, the best time was achieved by Lieutenant Victoria Moisan of the 1 Canadian Field Hospital.
In the men's individual competition, Justin Monfette-Théoret, a physical conditioning and sports instructor at the Montreal Garrison, posted the fastest time.
Photo: Yves Bélanger
Photo: Yves Bélanger
Photo: Yves Bélanger
Junior military hockey
The
Patriotes lose their coach
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
The Patriotes hockey season ends on a sad note. The junior team coach, Sergeant Alexandre Grenier, from the 2 nd Canadian Division Support Group Technical Services, has announced that he will not be returning next year.
Sgt Grenier has been involved with the Patriotes junior hockey team since 2012. “I played for six years. A knee injury forced me to stop for several months. That's when I started coaching the team.”
Sgt Grenier was a very dedicated coach, particularly in ensuring that he had the best team possible. During recruitment periods, he did not hesitate to travel around the region several times. “Before accepting a player, I wanted to see him play. So I would go to the arena where he played with his civilian team.”
He has excellent memories of the last seven years of coaching the Montreal region team. “For me, the highlight was in February 2020 when we won the Canadian Forces National Junior Hockey Championship.”
He is now ready to pass the torch to a new coach. “I think I've given what I had to give.” Sgt Grenier has also been involved with the Montreal Regional military slow-pitch and ball hockey teams.
However, he does not put his passion for hockey on ice. “I will probably try my luck to be recruited into the Patriotes veterans team. Although the age of admission is 40, the rules state that the team has the right to accept three players aged between 37 and 39.”
Sgt Grenier intends to continue promoting the importance of sport for the troops. “In addition to being ideal for keeping in good physical shape, it is an excellent team-building activity. Many members join the Canadian Armed Forces because they enjoy playing sports.”
Recruitment is difficult
Sgt Grenier explains that recruitment is the biggest challenge for military sports. “Our region includes the Montreal and Saint-Jean Garrisons, the Saint-Hubert site, the Farnham site and the many Reserve units. With such a large territory, it is not easy to get the CAF members together in one place to play.”
Over the years, with the increasing scarcity of arenas, the difficulty in obtaining ice time has sometimes complicated recruitment. “We all have personal and family responsibilities. When practices have to take place late in the evening, this can discourage many people.”
Sgt Grenier adds that since the COVID-19 pandemic, the chains of command have less flexibility to release players, both for practices and championships. “And in the Reserve, the units no longer have funds for military sports.”
What makes a good coach
When he agreed to become coach of the Patriotes junior hockey team, Sgt Grenier had no experience. “I knew hockey very well, but I had no idea what the job of a coach entailed. I loved my experience and I wouldn't rule out reliving it one day!”
When asked about the qualities sought in a coach, he replies immediately: “being a unifier and a good leader. The Patriotes junior hockey team is one of those with the greatest esprit de corps. We are very close to each other and we socialize outside of the ice.”
A good coach is also someone who has time to get involved. “In addition to the work on the ice rink, there is also an administrative side to the job that requires some time. So you need people who have space in their schedule to take care of these tasks.”
Photo: courtesy
To join the team
Would you like to become the next junior hockey team coach? vanessa.mcalpine@forces.gc.ca
Sergeant Alexandre Grenier was involved for 13 years with the Patriotes junior hockey team.
The Payne Train
In tribute to two fallen brothers in arms
| Yves Bélanger, Servir
On April 23 and 25, physical conditioning and sports instructors from the Saint-Jean Garrison invited Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to participate in the Payne Train. This training session is dedicated to two CAF military police officers, Corporals Randy Payne and Matt Dinning, who died while on close protection duty on April 22, 2006, in Afghanistan. The G-Wagon armoured vehicle they were travelling in was struck by a roadside explosive device.
Some 35 people responded to the invitation from Personnel Support Programs. Thomas Schwarz, interim fitness coordinator at the Saint-Jean Garrison, explains that this commemorative training is better known in military bases and garrisons in English-speaking provinces. “When we found out about it, we wanted to offer it here. It's a very comprehensive workout that tests each participant's strength and endurance.”
Everyone had three options for completing the routine. “In addition to the full version, it was also possible to do a half Payne Train or do it in pairs, alternating between each other.”
Corporal Bogdan Cirap, of the 5th Military Police Regiment, was among the participants. “I did my first Payne Train when I was doing my trade training at Canadian Forces Base Borden.” Since then, he has participated several times. “I don't remember exactly how many times, I've done it so often!”
He finds the activity very interesting as a way to stay in shape. “The first few years, I did it for fun. I didn't know that this training had been created to pay tribute to two brothers in arms. Since I've learned the story, I find it even more important to participate.”
Here is the Payne Train workout
Cindy = five pull-ups + ten push-ups + 15 air squats
• 400-metre run
• Five repetitions of Cindy
• 400-metre run
• Four repetitions of Cindy
• 400-metre run
• Three repetitions of Cindy
• 400-metre run
• Two repetitions of Cindy
• 400-metre run
• One Cindy
One of the running challenges.
Between each 400-metre run, participants had to perform a series of pull-ups, push-ups, and squats.
Corporal Bogdan Cirap, from the 5 th Military Police Regiment, has completed several Payne Train workouts.
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.
CAF members wanted!
Mixed slo-pitch, mixed golf, and mixed soccer teams
The Military Sports Team invites Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to join the mixed slo-pitch, mixed golf, and mixed soccer teams.
Join the Patriots and wear the colours of the Montreal region at the CAF Championships. It's a great way to play your favourite sport while developing friendships with your colleagues!
