November 20-26 is National Addictions Awareness Week. This year, the theme will be A Caring Community. For the occasion, Health Promotion offers you a directory of resources.
Marie France Brunelle, Health Promotion Specialist, explains that deciding to seek help for problematic substance use or alcohol or drug addiction can be one of the life's most important decisions. “Whether the service is sought for one self or for a loved one, finding the right resource is crucial.”
This is why the Health Promotion team has compiled in one directory the help resources available in the military and civilian communities across the country that can be useful for substance use problems.
She reminds us that it is possible to help people who have a substance use disorder. “We can do this by educating ourselves on how to start these difficult but so important conversations!” To download the directory of help resources:
Over the past year, the acronym LGBTQ2+ has been changed by the federal government to 2SLGBTQI+.
On its website, Kids Help Phone states that 2S is an important term in some Aboriginal cultures and for some Ab original people. It designates a person having a female spirit and a male spirit living in the same body. It is often used to describe sexual orientation, gender identity and/or spiritual identity.
Mélanie Ratté is Human Resources Plans and Programs Officer 2 at the 2nd Canadian Division. She is also secretary of the 2SLGBTQI+ sub-committee of the Diversity + Team in the Montreal region. She explains that the 2S element rec ognizes two-spirited people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities. “This term also represents another way the Gov ernment of Canada is moving towards reconciliation.”
2S: at the front, recognizes Two-Spir it people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
L: Lesbian
G: Gay B: Bisexual T: Transgender
Q: Queer
I: Intersex, considers sex charac teristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expres sion.
+: is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies.
The 3rd Canadian Support Unit (3 CSU) is located in the south side of the Mont real Garrison. Its mission is to generate specialized supply capabilities to sup port the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in operational theaters.
This third line support consists of tasks such as the preparation of materiel for the opening of new theaters, the replen ishing of currently deployed contin gents and their support during periodic rotations, as well as mission closures. Furthermore, 3 CSU is mandated with institutional duties to train deploying CAF members who will have materiel management roles in theaters.
3 CSU has upheld this mandate since its establishment during the Cold War on December 1, 1989 in Lahr, Germany, while under the command of Canadian Forces Europe (CFE). At the time, the unit was known as the 3rd Canadian Support Group (3 CSG) and consisted of the 35th Dental Unit, the CFE Postal Unit and the 311th Mobile Advanced Support Unit. In 1992, the closure and repatriation of the CFE suspended the mandate of 3 CSG whose last mission was during OP SCIMITAR in Qatar in support of CF-18 fighter aircraft oper ations during the Gulf War. This mission
marked the history of 3 CSU and would later be symbolized in its insignia by the yellow sand stripe located under a three-headed dragon. The eagle, lion and dolphin heads represent the unit's role in supporting Canada's land, air and sea elements.
The strip of yellow sand also symbolizes the return of 3 CSG and its first mission in 1993 on OP DELIVERANCE in Somalia.
At that time, the mandate of 3 CSG was renewed under the command of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) due to increased CAF participation in United Nations (UN) operations as well as the need for operational logistics support overseas. The participation of 3 CSG in peacekeeping missions continued with several distinctions. In 2006, the command of 3 CSG was transferred to
Canadian Operational Support Com mand (CANOSCOM) and its name was changed to 3 Canadian Support Unit. During that same year, 3 CSU was awarded the Canadian Forces Unit Com mendation by the Chief of the Defence Staff. This recognition highlighted the continued support and exceptional contribution of 3 USC during operations PALLADIUM in Bosnia-Herzegovina (1995-2004), HALO in Haiti (2004), as well as ATHENA and ARCHER in Afghan istan (2003-2006).
Since 2012, 3 CSU has been under the command of the Canadian Forces Joint Operational Support Group (CFJOSG) which is a core component of Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) re sponsible for all deployments. The man date of 3 CSU continues towards the
various ongoing international missions such as OP REASSURANCE in Europe, OP IMPACT in the Middle East and OP PRESENCE in West Africa.
Currently, 3 CSU is tasked with the closure of Air Task Force – Romania, an enhanced air policing mission under the umbrella of OP REASSURANCE. This im portant task will include the repatriation of Canadian personnel and all equip ment used in theatre for over a decade. We wish the best of luck to our mem bers currently deployed on this mission knowing that they will make 3 USC and Canada proud!
AGIR.
Master Corporal Charles Lemieux & Master Corporal Enass
In 2022, members of 3 CSU in Kuwait for a Materiel Accountability Compliance Inspection during OP IMPACT.
Photos: 3 CSU
In 2004, a member of 3 CSU during OP HALO in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, collaborating with locals to facilitate the delivery of relief aid to those in need.
From September 29 to October 20, four participants in the Canadian Armed Forces Indigenous Enrolment Program (CAFIEP) from indigenous communities across Canada were able to learn from the instructors at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) what the profession of arms was about. Forming the Pegahmagabow Platoon, named in honour of Francis Pegah magabow, the most decorated Ab original soldier who served in the First World War, they can now claim mission accomplished as they took part in their graduation ceremony on October 20.
The intent of the program is to provide indigenous people across Canada with a three-week, unconditional opportunity to experience military familiarization and basic training which all recruits must go through. The goal is to spark the interest of participants in the CAF by engaging them through various career opportun ities, introducing them to life in the field, and addressing several topics covered in Basic Military Qualification (QMQ) and Basic Military Officer Qualification courses. At the end of their time at CFLRS, if they do not wish to commit, the course aims to provide them with an enriching and positive experience to make them ambassadors in their
communities.
The CAFIEP course provided partici pants with an opportunity to learn more about the core values of the CAF and how the concepts of courage, loyalty and inclusion, to name a few, align with indigenous principles and teachings. They also had a chance to touch basic military equipment (uniforms, weapons, various vehicles, etc.) and get engaged in a variety of military activities that enable them to report a more positive and fair view of the work and opportun ities offered through employment with the CAF.
The impact of COVID-19 has been one of the determining factors in the recruitment of participants. Whereas in the past recruitment centres had a pool of candidates that had been accumu lated over time, the pandemic had an important impact and that pool ran dry, thus imposing an additional effort to find potential participants. The result is that this iteration of CAFIEP saw four candidates walk through our doors, but success remains. Of the four partici pants, two indicated their intention to apply immediately or very quickly in order to enlist as infantry in the Regular Force while a third strongly consid ers enrolment in the near future. The fourth will return to his civilian job, but will bring the experience he had to his community.
The next iteration of the CAFIEP course is scheduled for May 2023 but details need to be confirmed.
A second distribution of used toys will take place at the 202 Workshop Depot (202 WD) on Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m. to noon.
These toys are those collected by the team of the 202 WD in order to repair them and give them to the firefighters of the City of Montreal. The latter used to give them to citizens requesting Christmas baskets via Saint-Vincent-dePaul. Since 1991, more than 88,000 gifts have been given out under this pro gram. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, our toy workshop activity has ceased to exist,” says Daniel Ha, logistics technologist, at 202 WD.
He explains that since the pandemic, firefighters have opted to give out gift cards instead of giving away used toys. “This year they notified us that they will no longer take used toys even if the pandemic is over.”
In order to get rid of the large number of stored toys, the 202 WD volunteer team invited, on November 5, organ izations, schools, daycare services and daycare centres to come and get the toys available at the Montreal Garrison. “Twenty of them accepted our invita tion. About sixty pallets have thus been given.”
Although several toys have found takers, there are still many that are stored at 202 WD. This is why a second distribu tion has been scheduled for December 3. “So far, seven organizations in the region have expressed their intention to be there.”
Among the toys still available are books, toy cars, trucks, Mega Blocks, dolls and accessories, electronic toys and baby toys.
Interested organizations and individuals must register in advance at Daniel.Ha@ forces.gc.ca. “In the email, it is important to write the names of all the people who will pass on December 3 as well as the plate number of the vehicle that will be used.”
Photo: CFLRS Photo: courtesy Photo: archive There are still many toys left in storage at the 202 Workshop Depot. For several years, volunteers spent several hours cleaning and repairing the toys with the aim of giving them to families in need.Master Warrant Officer Antoine Caron, MSE Comptroller, 2 Canadian Division / Joint Task Force (East), and Provincial Career Manager
Sergeant Mathieu Villemaire has been a mobile support equipment operator for 16 years. Since August 2020, he has been a member of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) team. Here is an example of a CAF member implementing positive change in their unit to better support their mission.
After 16 months as a training platoon in structor, he was assigned to manage the Transport section of the unit. Upon his arrival, Sgt Villemaire identified issues that had persisted for at least a decade and that changes were required, among other things, in the section’s operating procedures, and that a complete restruc turing was required.
“It has always been done this way” is not an acceptable answer for Sgt Villemaire and that is what prompted him to under take a section redesign. To begin with,
he created a position of Gas, Oil and Lubricant Manager (GOL) as well as a combat storekeeper position within the Transport section to enable the professional development of his team. Through this simple action, he has fostered learning, accountability and self-confidence among each member of his staff, in addition to preparing them to be functional in a business unit and, at the same time, improving the level of motivation and overall well-being. At the organizational level, these changes have improved the tracking of equipment and improved the identification of equip ment usage and needs.
It should be noted that the CFLRS Transport section is small but essential to the unit. It was all the more important for Sgt Villemaire that his members be familiar with all facets of the trade both to stimulate their professional develop ment and to be a self-sustaining section. In fact, it was this operational focus that enabled the section to function well in a persistent COVID-19 environment.
A more flexible and customer-focused customer service has been implemented and vehicle staffing for each platoon has been redesigned to better support instructors with busy schedules. This re sulted in a better distribution of vehicles, increased fleet maintenance and better alignment with unit priorities. In this way, the Transport section contributes to the
School’s mission of training the next generation of CAF members.
Environment was also a concern for Sgt Villemaire. Since his arrival, oil break downs and spill kits have been offered to platoons leaving for training at Farnham site, a preventative measure that had not been applied for several years.
Also with environmental concerns, a pro ject to reduce plastic waste is underway. In conjunction with the quartermaster’s section, the section began to collect the empty windshield washer cans for reuse. Finally, the most commonly used hazardous products are now in bulk, so the School will reduce plastic waste from cans of contaminated material by half. “It is important to reduce the organiza tion’s environmental footprint as much as possible so that future generations of military personnel can benefit,” says Sgt Villemaire.
Sgt Villemaire closed a fire safety gap. No vehicle in the CFLRS fleet was equipped with fire protection equipment. Over the past year, he has equipped most of the vehicles in the fleet.
Projects are plentiful for Sgt Villemaire. “Several are underway, such as moving
the section to the new facilities and installing a GOL outdoor shed for the School,” he said. He recognizes that his team is working hard and that without them and the support of his chain of command, nothing would have been possible. He concludes by saying that his “motivation is the improvement of working conditions and the safety of all.”
Yves Bélanger, Servir
Lieutenant-General (retired) Stuart A. Beare and Lieutenant-General (retired) Guy Robert Thibault have just joined the thirty or so members of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) Hall of Fame in the Elders category. The ceremony took place on November 4.
The two veterans studied at RMC SaintJean from 1978 to 1981 and at RMC of Canada from 1981 to 1983.
LGen (Ret’d) Beare holds a Bachelor of Engineering as well as command and staff degrees from several military colleges including Britain’s Royal Military
College of Science.
LGen (ret'd) Thibault holds a bachelor's degree in science (mathematics and physics). He also holds a Master in Public Administration (Management) from Dalhousie University. He also obtained various command and staff diplomas during his career.
It should be noted that the RMC SaintJean Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 2013. It aims to stimulate the sense of pride of officer cadets and naval cadets towards RMC Saint-Jean and to motivate to succeed.
Photo: CFLRS Sergeant Mathieu Villemaire. Lieutenant-General (Retired) Guy Robert Thibault, Chief Warrant Officer Rick Plante, Chief Warrant Officer of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Lieutenant-General (Retired) Stuart A. Beare, and Colonel Gaétan Bédard, Commandant of the Royal Military College of Saint Jean. To see additional photos
Once again, thousands of Canadians marked Remembrance Day so that they would never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These ceremonies also made it possible to have a thought for all those who served their country and who returned wounded in body or soul. It is also a way to recognize the courage of their fam ilies and that of the soldiers who continue to serve Canada with pride. Here is a summary of the various events that took place in the region.
The ceremony at the Montreal Garrison took place on November 11 in the presence of many CAF members and veterans. A moment of contemplation.
Various wreaths were placed at the foot of the cenotaph.
Photo: Cpl Georgia Tsotas
Photo: Cpl Georgia Tsotas
The Honorable David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Mayor Marie-Andrée Mauger, Executive Director of the Vimy Foundation, Caitlin Bailey, and City Councilor Sterling Downey in front of the Vimy Oak and the Victory Memorial.
Remembrance Park has had a facelift. Verdun borough Mayor, Marie-Andrée Mauger, accompanied by the Honorable David Lametti, Member of the Parliament for LaSalle-Émard-Verdun as well as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and City Councilor Sterling Downey conducted the inauguration of a new monument and urban property around the Victory Memorial. In addition to the new monument, elements of street furniture, such as benches, have been replaced and added near the monument. Plantations were also made around the low wall. Parc du Souvenir is located on rue de Verdun.
Photos: Mélanie DussaultFacebook
On November 6, at the invitation of Branch 079 Richelieu of the Royal Canadian Legion, CAF members from various units, officer cadets and naval cadets from the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, members of the municipality's three cadet corps and veterans marched through the streets of Saint-Jean. A ceremony followed at Alcide-Côté Park.
The Remembrance Day ceremony was held at Alcide-Côté Park on November 6.
CAF members, veterans and dignitaries participated in the special ceremony which took place in Iberville borough. This was organized by Branch 263 Iberville of the Royal Canadian Legion.
On November 11, the Remembrance Day ceremony was held at the Garrison in the presence of dignitaries and guests.
Several wreaths were placed at the foot of the cenotaph.
Photo: Cpl Katia Danis-Lemay –Imagery Saint-Jean
The Commandant and Chief Warrant Officer of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Lieutenant-Colonel Chung Wong and Chief Warrant Officer Frédérick Lavoie, laid the establishment’s wreath during the ceremony.
Photo: CFLRS
At the end of the ceremony, participants were invited to lay down their poppy.
Photo: Cpl Katia Danis-Lemay –Imagery Saint-Jean
The Mayor of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Andrée Bouchard and the City Councillor for District 11, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Claire Charbonneau, surrounded by two members of the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Public Security Department.
On November 6, members of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Donnacona commem orated Remembrance Day at Stoney Point Park, alongside members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 85-90 and the cadets 686 Dorval-Lachine Squadron.
Some members of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Donnacona.
Photo: Facebook NCSM Donnacona
Many people attended the ceremony held at the National Field of Honour. A few officer cadets and naval cadets from the Royal Military College Saint-Jean were present. Cannon shots were fired in memory of veterans who have now passed away.
On December 3, veteran Roger Chabot invites you to watch a behind-thescenes film of his Bravery in arms (BIA) documentary series D-Day Dodgers of Canada, which will be screened simul taneously across the country.
(BIA) D-Day Dodgers of Canada is a video series that traces the journey of Canadian soldiers who took part in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War. This 14-episode docu mentary series is dotted with historical reconstructions.
Producer and director, Sergeant (retired) Roger Chabot explains that the film will be broadcast from Halifax, Nova Scotia. “Thanks to technology, it will be avail able to people across the country since we managed to find several organiza tions interested in distributing it.”
A photo taken during filming at Mount Assoro, Sicily, with a group of participants in the historical re-enactment. Roger Chabot is in the back row, far right
He admits being excited to present the fruit of several years of work. “I'm really happy to finally be at the stage of showing a behind-the-scene episode.” The film will be available to everyone from December 10 on YouTube, via the Bravery in Arm channel.
As for the documentary series, it will be available on the same channel from 2023. “The first episode will be broadcast on January 28.” It is with great pride that the veteran talks about his project. “I am happy to help Canadians discover a forgotten page in our history. I am humbly grateful to be able to be its messenger.”
All serving and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and eligible family members, who have never previously joined the Legion, are eligible to receive a free year of mem bership.
The Royal Canadian Legion is one of the strongest supporters of Canada's military community. For nearly a century, the organization has provided essential services to veterans.
The Royal Canadian Legion is also offer ing the first year of membership free to all parents or guardians, spouses and children aged 18 and over of serving, re tired or deceased members of the CAF and RCMP, and who have not yet joined. at the Legion.
To become a member
On the South Shore of Montreal, the film will be presented on Saturday, December 3, at 2 p.m., at Branch 94 Greenfield Park of the Royal Canadian Legion. It is located at 205 Empire Street, Greenfield Park. In Montreal, the screening will take place at Branch 24/106 NDG, located at 5455, boulevard Maisonneuve.
“However, there are only 50 places available in each location.” To obtain a place, please write as soon as possible to roger@chabotwarart.com.
In Quebec, a dozen municipalities now allow veterans to park for free on their streets. To do so, their vehicles must bear the license plate for veterans, issued by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec.
Participating cities:
· Cowansville
· Granby
· Louiseville
· Magog
· Saint-Hyacinthe Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Saint-Jérôme
· Sherbrooke (the veteran must obtain a parking permit, in the form of a sticker from the municipality)
· Trois-Rivières
· Val-d'Or Victoriaville
The Royal Canadian Legion – Quebec Provincial Directorate explains the procedure on its website and provides the documents to be completed.
As is tradition on Remembrance Day, volunteers from the Montreal Area Military Family Resource Centre decor ated the entrance to the Saint-Hubert residential housing unit area. This commemoration has a special meaning dear to the heart of the military family community, as it pays tribute to soldiers who have died in combat.
of 643 Squadron participated in a cere mony that took place in the streets of Saint-Hubert.
On November 5, the
On
November
The 4e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment (Châteauguay), participated in various com memorative events. On November 5, members were in Terrebonne. The following day, they participated in a ceremony in Laval along with veterans and cadets from the three elements.
On Sunday, September 25, the annual ceremony was held at the Saint-Michel cemetery to pay tribute to deceased veterans. Gilles Samson, member of the Eastern Townships Genealogy Society, was present as the ceremonial officiant. Several veterans were present for the occasion. In the photo, we see Nicolas Hébert, Veterans Affairs Canada program advisor attached to the maintenance of cemeter ies, meditating in front of the gravestone of a veteran.
On November 6, the Specialized Training Division of the Canadian Forces Leader ship and Recruit School took part in the ceremony hosted by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 121.
Photo: CFLRS
Members of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School were present on November 5 at the Veterans Park.
Photo: CFLRS
On November 6, a parade was held near the cenotaph in Place Léon-Ringuet, notably in the presence of members of Branch 02 of the Royal Canadian Legion, dignitaries and members of the 6e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment
Photos: Facebook Branch 02 Royal Canadian Legion
The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada Remembrance Day Ceremony was held on November 12. A short ceremony was held at the Jean-Victor Allard General Armory and another took place at the Platon Cenotaph located downtown.
Photos: Facebook 12 RBC
The
On November 27, at 3 p.m., the Musique des Fusiliers de Sherbrooke (Fusiliers de Sherbrooke band) will present the concert Silence, on joue at the Sainte-Élisabeth church in North Hatley.
Under the direction of Lieutenant Martin Ringuette, the musical ensemble will honor major themes of film music. This concert will be offered free of charge.
Visit the band Facebook page
A percussionist position is currently open within the Musique des Fusiliers de Sher brooke. For more information on the audition process and the profession of musi cian, write to denis.falardeau@ecn.forces.gc.ca
On November 11, the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School took part in a ceremony at Remembrance Square. Photo: CFLRS mayor of Nicolet, Geneviève Dubois, was honorary president of the poppy for the Trois-Rivières region. On October 27, she participated in four poppy presentation ceremonies to the mayors of Bécancour, Louiseville and Trois-Rivières. The event was organized by Branch 35 (Trois-Rivières) of the Royal Canadian Legion. From left to right, Stéphane Vincent, President of the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 35, André Gosselin, Flag bearer, Michel Lauzier, Geneviève Dubois, Mayor of Nicolet, Lucie Allard, Mayor of Bécancour, Richard Boisclair, Sergeant-at-Arms and Claude Beaulieu. Photo: Eric de Wallens. From left to right: Claude Belle-Isle, Michel Lauzier, Pierre Samson, 1st Vice-President of the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 35 and President of District 15, Lucien Desbiens, 2nd Vice-President and Poppy Campaign Manager, Geneviève Dubois, Mayoress of Nicolet, Stéphane Vincent, President, Richard Boisclair, Sergeant-at-Arms, Dan Bergeron, Piper and Paul Lachance, History Teacher at Lycée Jean Nicolet.As a social worker at the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) I ask myself, what do these situations have in com mon?
• A wife talking to me about how her husband criticizes how she reacts to things;
• A husband telling me that his wife doesn't understand how he is stressed at work and needs time to relax at home;
• A teen describing how her parents don't trust her to make good decisions. The wife, the husband and the teen are telling me that they don't feel able to express an emotion without being criticized for having it; they don't have a safe space where they are confident that they are accepted and (for the moment) loved.
All people need to feel safe if they are going to open up to each other. Trust and safety are necessary for any mean ingful communication between people. A social worker must learn to build trust immediately, and the skills to do so are not magic. We find these skills in
couples, in young families and mature families, anywhere people are dealing with the challenges that life brings. Anyone can improve their relationship if they concentrate on putting trust into our relationships.
Accept and validate the emotions a per son is expressing: emotions are not right or wrong - they are just there. We have to accept them as they are without judg ment. Accepting someone's emotions is the first step to building trust. These are some examples of things to say, that validate what a person is feeling:
• “You must be feeling very angry.”
• “Your sadness must be painful for you.”
• “Wow, are you ever frustrated?”
It is not helpful to tell a person that they should not be feeling something - it will only make them mad or teach them to hide their emotions from you. Here are some of the things we say all the time that actually invalidate what a person is feeling:
• “You don't really feel that way.”
• “You're exaggerating.”
• “How can you say that?”
• “It can't be that bad.”
If the situation has made us angry or frustrated, it is not always easy to step back and accept what the person is feeling. What is important is to create a space where a person feels safe to express themselves. The principle is the same whether we are talking to a young child, an adolescent, or anyone else we
care about.
This feeling of trust and safety is what allows people to open up, to listen to each other, and to collaborate. Some times just the act of listening without making comments is enough to trigger an angry person to relax and express more calmly (with less fear and defen siveness) the reasons for their emotions. Once that process is started there is an opportunity for sharing, learning from each other and collaboration.
I recommend you the book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk written by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (2012).
Information 450-358-7099 # 7103
Bartholomew.Crago@forces.gc.ca
Please remember that the people at the MFRC are there for you! Do not hesitate to contact a psychosocial counsellor at 450-358-7099, extension 2917. You will be contacted within 48 hours.
Several activities are organized by the units to raise funds for the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign. Thank you to those who organize them and to those who participate!
On November 17, 52 people accepted the invitation of the Personnel Support Programs (PSP) team of the Montreal Garrison and raised the sum of $310. Morning yoga and volleyball were offered, as well as ozone cleaning of sports items and clothing in exchange for a cash donation. There was also the possibility of making the PSP team sweat by donating one dollar for each burpee done by a team mem ber.
At Saint-Jean Garrison, the Personnel Support Programs monitors allowed about fifteen people to participate in a Like in the old days boot camp on November 16 in the large gymnasium. Two teams competed the obstacle course offered. The activity raised $107.
The 41 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre offers you the chance to win a pair of tickets for the Canadiens game on January 26 against the Red Wings. You can buy a raffle ticket for $5, 3 for $10 and 10 for $25. The draw will take place on De cember 1, at 11:45 a.m., in the multimedia room of the Saint-Jean Garrison medical clinic. You can purchase your tickets by writing to joany.piette@forces.gc.ca indicat ing your name, unit, telephone number and civilian email.
In the rotunda of the Saint-Jean Garri son, on the morning of November 16, CANEX, SISIP Financial, Caisse Desjar dins des militaires and La Personnelle Insurances held their Grab & Go activity. For $2, participants were entitled to a coffee and a muffin. A sum of $248.10 was raised.
Photo: courtesy
·
The team of chaplains from the SaintJean and Montreal Garrisons are or ganizing the annual food drive. Military and civilian employees are invited to deposit non-perishable food in the boxes reserved for this purpose.
Padre (Major) Paco Simancas, Senior Chaplain, recalls that this activity aims to help military and civilian employees of the Department of National Defence who are experiencing financial difficul ties. “Each of us can make a difference. We are therefore counting on the gener osity of the greatest number of people.”
Donors have until December 2 to drop off food in the boxes identified for the food drive 2022. “Military and civilian Defence employees who wish to receive a food basket for Christmas also have until December 2 to register. Registered families will be invited to pick up their basket at our offices from December 12 to 16.”
List of commodities searched
· Vegetable broths, chicken, beef
· Canned protein: chicken, salmon, tuna, seafood
· Nut butter (almond, peanuts, ...)
· Whole grains: wild or brown rice, qui noa, whole wheat pasta, plain oatmeal, crackers and healthy cereals
· Fruit compote, canned fruit
· Grand Pré milk, soy or almond bever age Nuts and seeds
Oil, flour, sugar, vinegar, spices
· Cleanser, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, diaper
Information
450 358-7099 # 7420 or SvcPersDONSaumonerieSTJ@forces. gc.ca
On November 3rd and 4th, members of the RMC Saint-Jean community read stories and discussed diversity and inclusion with students from kindergarten to grade 6, at St. Johns Elementary School, located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The readers included six students from the RMC Saint-Jean Reading Club, five instructors from the Chief Warrant Offi cer Osside Profession of Arms Institute, and 30 of Margaret Wells' upper-inter
mediate English second language stu dents. This activity, called Lire au suivant, was initiated by Patrick Lévesque, inter-squadron sports coordinator from Personnel Support Programs, Isabelle Lépine, French second language teach er, and Valérie Caya, Vice-Principal at St. Johns. The activity included the collaboration of Brian Peddar, the com munity outreach coordinator for several schools in the Riverside school board.
You are new to the area? Getting in volved as a volunteer is a great way to facilitate your integration into your new community.
Volunteering at the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) supports our organization in its mission to promote the well-being of military families. It is also an opportunity to forge links with other members of the community who share the same concerns as you.
Volunteer mornings bring together adults of all ages in a relaxed atmos phere. These meetings allow them to exercise their creativity and share their expertise in projects that are close to their hearts, according to their initia
tives. Several voluntary tasks are also proposed, according to the interests of each one.
Volunteer mornings take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at our Saint-Hubert point of service and Thurs days at the Saint-Jean point of service. During volunteer periods, the drop-in daycare is offered free of charge to preschool children of volunteers, upon reservation.
The MFRC is governed by a Board of Directors whose members are elected by military families. Being involved in the Board offers the opportunity to take up new challenges and develop one's skills. Its members play an essential role in the governance of the MFRC.
Volunteers sometimes organize activ ities for military families. In the past, book clubs, knitting clubs and crafts clubs have sprung up through volunteer involvement. The MFRC is committed to supporting these types of initiatives that contribute to the richness and strength of our community.
If you have ideas for activities or projects
that you would like to set up, do not hesitate to contact us and join us!
Information marie-belle.meunier@forces.gc.ca or 450-358-7099 #2915
Photo: RMC St-Jean One of the groups of participants from Royal Military College Saint-Jean.
Health Promotion personnel envision a healthy, equitable, diverse and func tioning Canadian Armed Forces com munity where all members can thrive. That's why these members empower the organization, its communities and the individuals within it to break down barriers to health and well-being. Healthy nutrition, addictions, injury pre vention, stress management and anger management are some of the topics CAF members can get help with.
Those who wish to train at home have free access to more than a hundred video capsules prepared by the fitness and sports instructors of the Montreal Garrison. These capsules are available on the Réseau des sports (RDS) website under the heading En forme. These workouts were recorded between December 2020 and October 2022.
Representative team officials are inviting CAF members to join the Patriotes teams for the Canadian Armed Forces regional championships to be held in the coming months. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact them.
Junior hockey (men under 37): alexandre.grenier@forces.gc.ca
Hockey veterans (men over 37): guy.thivierge2@forces.gc.ca
Women's hockey: dominique.poulin@forces.gc.ca
Women's volleyball – the team is being under construction, it will not participate in the championships: james.poirier@forces.gc.ca
Men's volleyball: james.poirier@forces.gc.ca
Men's basketball: alaa.mansour@forces.gc.ca
Women's basketball – there is no team, but women have the opportunity to join the men's team if they wish: alaa.mansour@forces.gc.ca
At the Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrisons, the outdoor shops rent a host of winter equipment, including fat bikes, at great prices. Inform yourself, because this service is offered to everyone, whether it is a short or long term rental! Note that rental costs are lower for PSP Plan members than for regular customers.
At the Saint-Jean Garrison, the store is located in room M-174 of the sports centre.
At the Montreal Garrison, the store is located at the entrance to the gymnasium.
Become a member of the PSP Plan
Stay tuned! The Recreation - winter programming will be available in mid-Decem ber. You will find the panoply of indoor and outdoor activities that will be offered at the sports centre of the Saint-Jean Garrison starting in January. Alone or with your family, be active and create social ties through recreation activities. Members of the military community and local citizens are welcome!
Information: 450 358-7099 # 7262
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Donnacona Naval Communications Specialist, Able Seaman Jake GouchieProvencher, discovered fencing at a very young age. At 14, during his time in high school, he was finally able to learn the basics of this sport and de velop a real passion for it.
“My family lived in the countryside. So I did not have access to this type of sport until my adolescence. When I had the chance to try, I immediately got hooked,” he explains. He started fencing competitions six years ago. “Unfortu nately, the COVID-19 pandemic has put competitions on hold for 2 or 3 years.”
AB Gouchie-Provencher likes fencing for its great complexity. “It is a sport that is well anchored in the history of humanity. It combines strategy and technique. It also includes a beautiful artistic perform ance.”
He returned to competition last October as part of the first Canada Cup held in Vancouver. He finished in 39th position among the 91 participants in the Senior Men's Epee category. “This event really allowed us to get back into the competi tive spirit. I know what I have to work on and I intend to improve my score during the year.” On November 12, he won a bronze medal in his category at the Cir cuit régional des Épées de l’Est, which took place in Rimouski.
On November 5 and 6, he was also at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston. “It was an international com petition open to both military and civil ians.” He says he loved the experience that allowed him to meet fencers from all over the world. “There were as many Canadian epee specialists as others from the Netherlands or the United States. I really loved this exchange be tween athletes.”
To be able to compete with the best fencers in his category, AB GouchieProvencher trains three times a week. It was at the Olympia Fencing Club in Lon gueuil that he perfected his technique. “I try to take part in 3 or 4 fights with my club colleagues on a weekly basis.”
