Districts and Branches News

Last Post - James W. Bell

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:05:00 GMT

Last Post of James W. Bell, President of Branch 41 (Danville). Obituary can be read at this address: http://casshomes.ca/en/obituary.aspx

Veterans Affairs Minister meets with Leaders from Veterans’ Organizations

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:58:00 GMT

Ottawa, ON — The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, met today with leaders from Veterans’ organizations representing both traditional war Veterans and modern-day Veterans, as well as representatives of Veterans Affairs Canada’s former advisory groups. This first working session involving a group of leaders from Canadian Veterans’ organizations, the Veterans’ Ombudsman and the Minister of Veterans Affairs brought the participants together to discuss the establishment of a Departmental Stakeholder Committee.

"As Minister of Veterans Affairs, it is my job to make sure that all Veterans have the services and benefits that they are entitled to," said Minister Blaney. "I was excited to meet with these leaders. Their insight will be critical in helping us achieve our goal to make the Department fully responsive to the diverse and changing needs of all Veterans."

At the meeting, the Minister laid out his department’s priorities, building on the work done by his predecessors. These include delivering the services and benefits to traditional war Veterans while focussing on the needs of newer modern-day Veterans and implementing the recent $ 2 billion enhancements to the New Veterans Charter.

"I look forward to meeting with both traditional war Veterans and modern-day Veterans from across the country in the coming months to discuss how we can best work together to meet their changing needs."

Participating Veterans' organizations:

Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada
Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping
Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association
Canadian Veterans Advocacy
Gulf War Veterans Association of Canada
National Council of Veteran Associations
NATO Veterans Organization of Canada
Royal Canadian Legion
VeteransofCanada.ca
Veterans UN-NATO Canada

Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468
Codie Taylor
Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-996-4649

All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca

Normandy-Day Picnic in Lévis

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 09:50:00 GMT

Lévis — The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse, announced today a federal contribution of up to $4,850 in support of the Normandy-Day picnic commemorating Second World War Veterans.

"Our government is proud to support activities which encourage families and Canadians of all ages to come together and honour the sacrifices of our Veterans," said Minister Blaney. "The men and women who have served in times of war and peace must be honoured and remembered for their great contributions and achievements."

The Fondation du Régiment de la Chaudière hosted the Normandy-Day picnic, as did several municipalities in Normandy. This initiative, introduced 10 years ago in France, has taken hold in many countries including Canada, the United States, France and Belgium. The event featured a variety of activities: an open house at the Musée Le Régiment de la Chaudière, a performance by the CEGEP Lévis-Lauzon choir, a display of period military vehicles, a historical reenactment of the Normandy landings, a commemorative ceremony and activities for youth and families. At the event, the Minister presented the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to a local Second World War Veteran, Mr. Jean Cauchy. He also presented certificates of recognition to five individuals.

"I applaud the Fondation du Régiment de la Chaudière, as well as the people gathering to honour the Veterans who served on the coast of Normandy during the Second World War," added Minister Blaney. "Through initiatives like this one, we ensure that our Veterans' achievements and sacrifices are never forgotten."

Applications to the Community Engagement Partnership Fund are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events may be eligible for funding.

For more information about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, D-Day or the Battle of Normandy, visit veterans.gc.ca or call 1-866-522-2122 .

Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468

The Commander of District 4 St-Laurent and President of Branch 249 La Beauce Comrade Réal Donati, as well as the President of Branch 12 Lévis Comrade Gaétan Paquet, were present to the ceremonies in order to represent Quebec Command. Many legionnaires of Branches 12 and 249 were also attending.

Branch 108 Chateauguay - Receive a tax exemption

Tue, 24 May 2011 22:43:00 GMT

Legion granted tax exemption

After a lengthy battle, Chateauguay Legion Branch 108 has succeeded in getting a tax exemption for 2010 and 2011, thus saving it $9,600 a year in municipal taxes, plus penalties and interest for tax in arrears amounting to some $21,000. Zitouni says the branch now owes the City $1,500 for 2009 after already raising close to $11,000 of its debt for that year.

"If we hadn't received this exemption, we probably would have had to close the doors or sell the branch," said Jasmine Zitouni, who was elected Legion president last Saturday, just two days before the favourable court verdict was formulated by administrative judge Richard Quirion of the Quebec Municipal Commission.

The Legion had been represented in court recently by Zitouni, then the branch's first vice-president, and lawyer Louis Bouchart-d'Orval, who was recommended to the Legion by Chateauguay MNA Pierre Moreau.

"We have to thank Mr. Moreau for his kindness in recommending this lawyer to us," Zitouni said. "And we are so grateful to Mr. Bouchart-d'Orval for his intervention, that we are going to send him a plaque of appreciation."

Although City Council at a public meeting had officially passed a resolution a couple of months ago stating that it had no objection to the Legion getting a tax exemption, Mayoress Nathalie Simon had noted in a recent interview that the presence of a bar at the Legion could be interpreted as meaning that the building at 39 Gilmour street houses a "social club", thus impeding the Legion's quest for a tax exemption.

In 2009, the Municipal Commission refused to grant the Legion an exemption, saying that "the principal use of the building consists of holding different amusement or social activities for its members." This would have made it inadmissible for an exemption, according to provincial law and Simon made it plain the City had every intention of obeying the law.

According to the Commission at the time, a non-profit organization in order to have an exemption must work to defend the interests of a minority group, fight against discrimination, help oppressed citizens or prevent people from finding themselves in difficulty.

But Judge Quirion's decision overrided that original decision.

Jasmine Zitouni, right, and Chateauguay Irishwoman of the Year Bridgid McGurnaghan celebrate Zitouni's election as Legion president last Saturday. Now they have another reason to celebrate. - Photo Dan Rosenburg

The New Veterans Charter Receives Royal Assent

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 11:13:00 GMT

"A New Chapter in the New Veterans Charter Receives Royal Assent"
– The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn

Ottawa — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), celebrated final approval of Bill C-55 today. "It is an important breakthrough in how Canada cares for and supports injured and ill Canadian Forces (CF) members and Veterans," said Minister Blackburn.

Also known as the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act, Bill C-55 received royal assent this afternoon.

"This legislation represents a significant new chapter in the financial aid available to CF members and Veterans who are injured in the line of duty," said Minister Blackburn. "We are providing an additional $2 billion to ensure a better quality of life for ill and injured Veterans and their families."

Minister Blackburn thanked Veterans and their organizations for their support which he qualified as essential in helping parliamentarians understand the importance of the measures contained in the legislation. He also praised members of Parliament and senators of all political allegiances for taking the time to review the Bill and ensuring its speedy passage through the two chambers.

"The broad support for this Bill reflects the great pride and admiration that all Canadians share for our men and women in uniform, our Veterans and their families," said Minister Blackburn. "Parliamentarians clearly understood the importance of making sure these enhancements quickly reach the men and women who have earned and deserve this kind of support from their country."

The legislation still has to go through a number of regulatory steps before coming into force, which should be completed within the next five or six months.

What Bill C-55 does:

Improved monthly benefits

The legislation expands eligibility for monthly allowances (worth up to $1,632 per month-for life) for seriously injured Veterans; and
It introduces an additional $1,000 monthly supplement to the Permanent Impairment Allowance (for life) to help our most seriously injured or ill Veterans who are unable to return to suitable gainful employment.
Also, by amending regulations for the Earnings Loss benefit, the Government will establish a minimum pre-tax income of $40,000 a year for Veterans who are in rehabilitation or, if they are no longer able to be gainfully employed, until age 65.

Flexible options for the Disability Award

The legislation creates new payment options for Canadian Forces members and Veterans receiving a disability award. While they will still have the choice of a lump-sum payment, they will also now be able to receive a disability award as either an annual payment over any number of years or as a combination of a partial lump-sum payment and annual instalments (with interest).
Veterans will also retain the right to change their payment option at any time. This includes choosing at a later date to receive the balance of their disability award in a final lump-sum payment.
"By offering more payment options for the Disability Award, the Government of Canada has recognized that CF members and Veterans need financial choices that meet their individual circumstances," said Minister Blackburn.

Backgrounder — Additional details on the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act.

Media Enquiries:

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468

Vincent Caron
Special Assistant, Policy and Communication
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-995-5786

The Government of Canada Honours Jean-Charles Forbes

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:42:00 GMT

Ottawa - On behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), Daniel Petit, Member of Parliament for Charlesbourg-Haute-Saint-Charles, announced today up to $2,880 in federal government support for a cultural event in the city of Québec to honour Jean-Charles Forbes, a Quebec Veteran with a brilliant military career, who later became a painter.

"Our government is proud to support cultural events like this one that encourage Canadian youth to come together in remembrance," said Minister Blackburn. "The men and women who served during times of war and peace deserve to be honoured for their great contributions and achievements."

To mark the birthday of Lieutenant-Colonel Jean-Charles Forbes, RMWO, a posthumous tribute was paid at an opening of an art exhibit of 40 of his paintings. Lt.-Col. Forbes represents numerous Quebeckers who distinguished themselves during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #265 (Québec) invited 60 high school students to the opening of the Jean-Charles Forbes exhibition at the Québec Garrison Club on Friday, March 18, 2011. Three well-known Québec public figures facilitated the tour: Major-General Alain Forand, who presented the Victoria Cross room; Ms. Willeke Pierik Blanchet, the Netherlands honorary consul in Quebec, who presented a testimonial from the people of the Netherlands on Jean-Charles Forbes' place in their national history; and Mr. Alain Stanké, filmmaker and publisher, who presented excerpts of his upcoming documentary on the life of Jean-Charles Forbes: Le dernier des fantassins.

"I commend the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #265 on bringing high school students together to recognize the military history of these works of art," said Daniel Petit. "Not only are Veterans honoured during the exhibit, but their stories will live on for generations through events like this one."

Applications to the Community Engagement Partnership Fund are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events may be eligible for funding.

Please visit veterans.gc.ca or call 1-866-522-2122   to learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, to obtain a list of the other funded projects or to apply for funding.

Media Enquiries:

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468

Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-992-3465
Cell: 613-608-3252

The Government of Canada Supports Remembrance in La Tuque, Quebec

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:44:00 GMT

Ottawa — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced today up to $3,445 in federal government support for a project in La Tuque, Quebec, to honour Veterans and the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Our government is proud to support community-led projects like this one that encourage Canadians to come together in remembrance," said Minister Blackburn. "The men and women who served during times of war and peace deserve to be honoured for their great contributions and achievements."

During the weekend of May 7—8, 2011, as part of activities marking the centennial of the city of La Tuque and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #31, the citizens of La Tuque will honour Veterans who served with the Canadian Forces between 1945 and 2011. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #31 will unveil an honour roll with the names of traditional and modern-day Veterans and current members of the military. Some 82 citizens of La Tuque took part in the First World War; 600 more saw duty in the Second World War and 300 in military operations since 1945. A commemorative plaque will be kept on permanent display in the Parc du Souvenir to preserve the memory of all military personnel from La Tuque.

"I commend the citizens of La Tuque and the Royal Canadian Legion for bringing people together to honour the men and women of this municipality who have served with the Canadian Forces over many decades," said Minister Blackburn. "Not only are Veterans honoured on this commemorative plaque, but their stories and commitment will live on for generations through commemorative events like this."

Applications to the Community Engagement Partnership Fund are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events may be eligible for funding.

Please visit veterans.gc.ca for more information on this event and a list of the other funded projects. Also visit veterans.gc.ca or call               1-866-522-2122 to learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund or to apply for funding.

Media Enquiries:

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468

Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-992-3465
Cell: 613-608-3252

Veteran's Affairs offers direct deposit

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:59:00 GMT

Minister Blackburn Encourages Veterans to Sign-up for
Direct Deposit Now Available for Core Programs

Ottawa — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today announced that Veterans Affairs Canada has recently introduced the convenience of direct deposit for Veterans receiving payments under both the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) and the Treatment Benefits Program. With the addition of these two programs, Veterans now have the option of direct deposit for Veterans Affairs Canada's core programs.

"This direct deposit service is now offered to Veterans, survivors and primary caregivers in receipt of VIP services and treatment benefits," said Minister Blackburn. "This is another concrete example of how we are transforming and improving our services to make the experience with Veterans Affairs Canada more 'hassle free' and convenient."

Every month, many Veterans and survivors look for their reimbursement cheques for VIP services or treatment benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada in their mailboxes. Choosing direct deposit will eliminate trips to financial institutions to deposit cheques, while providing immediate access to their money.

This is just one of the many improvements Veterans Affairs Canada has been making to better meet the needs of today's Veterans. In the fall of 2010, Minister Blackburn tabled Bill C-55 (The Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act) which, if approved, will provide more financial support for Veterans who are severely injured. The new legislation will also give Veterans payment options when receiving a disability award, rather than just a lump-sum payment.

Veterans Affairs Canada is encouraging those Veterans and family members now receiving cheques to opt for the convenience and safety of direct deposit. Veterans currently receiving cheques for VIP or treatment benefits payments will receive a form in the mail, which they can complete if interested in this service. For more information on the direct deposit of Veterans Affairs Canada payments, visit veterans.gc.ca and search "Direct Deposit."

Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone:613-992-7468

Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone:613-992-3465
Cell:613-608-3252

Minister of Veterans Affairs' Commendations recepients - 2002 to 2010

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:33:00 GMT

Harry Surette

Jonquière, Quebec

Mr. Surette is a Korean War Veteran. He was transferred from active duty to the Reserves in 1953 and discharged in 1959. Mr. Surette became project engineer for the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1960 for the last atmospheric tests of atomic bombs, including outer space and in 1962. After completion of the tests, he was released with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He immigrated to Canada in 1973 and became an active member of The Royal Canadian Legion in 1989. He was president of Branch #209 from 2000 to 2008. Mr. Surette has also been District Commander of the Legion's District #3 since 2000. He participates in the annual Poppy Campaign, visits local schools to speak with youth about the contribution and sacrifice of Veterans and he is involved with Cadets. As District Commander, Mr. Surette, together with his service officer, is responsible for ensuring Veterans receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled. Mr. Surette takes the time to visit Veterans in hospitals and also attends funeral services for Veterans who reside in his district. Mr. Surette is involved with annual fundraising events for the hospital in Jonquière and for blood drives for Héma-Québec.

The others recepients to date are:

2010

• Michèle Allard, Trois-Rivières, Québec

• Denis Beaudin St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec

• John Bradley Chambly, Québec

• Patricia Crichton Montréal, Québec

• Linda Cyr Chandler, Québec

• Philip Doddridge New Richmond, Québec

• Roland Drouillard Chambly, Québec

• Robert Duplessis Valleyfield, Québec

• Carl Garber Côte Saint-Luc, Québec

• André Marion St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec

• Karl Morel Montréal, Québec

• Andrew Powell Montréal, Québec

• Harry Surette Jonquière, Québec

• Jean Thériault Rimouski, Québec

• Paul Veilleux Saint Jean Sur Richelieu, Québec

• Albert Wilson (à titre posthume) Chicoutimi, Québec

2009

• Jenny Clarke Beaconsfield, Québec

• Brian Davidson Pincourt, Québec

• Réal Donati Beauceville, Québec

• Alexander Hall Montréal, Québec

• Yves LaBarre Chambly, Québec

• Eugene MacDonald Montréal, Québec

• George Mann Montréal, Québec

• Pierre Richard Saint-Lambert, Québec

• Rocco Speranza Montréal, Québec

2008

• Mychèle Amberg Baie-d'Urfé, Québec

• Stéphane Corbeil St-Damien-de-Brandon, Québec

• Yvon Dubé St-Charles-Borromée, Québec

• Jean-Luc Dutil Québec, Québec

• Léo Gallant Chambly, Québec

Georges Lasnier Beauport, Québec

• Sylvain Hamel Montréal, Québec

• Robert Lavoie Québec City, Québec

• Viateur Lavoie St-Jean-sur-le-Richelieu, Québec

• Jules Pinard Trois-Rivières, Québec

2007

• Joseph Bilocq Val-Bélair, Québec

• Michael Bisson Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Québec

• Alain Charland Charlesbourg, Québec

• Walter Charron Saint- Lambert, Québec

• Hervé Coté St-Tite, Québec

• Jean-Louis Denis Baie d'Urfé, Québec

• Arthur Fraser Laval, Québec

• Pierre Gauthier Chambly, Québec

• Normand-Guy Goudreau St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec

• Douglas Lawrence Montréal, Québec

• Okill Stuart St-Lambert, Québec

2006

• Helen Bolton-Guy Montréal, Québec

• Jean-Louis Bonhomme Pointe-Claire, Québec

• Maxine Bredt Hudson Heights, Québec

• Pierre Bruneau Champlain, Québec

• Bernard Pepin Montréal, Québec

• Douglas Lloyd Sample St-Laurent, Québec

2005

• Christian Couture St. Gédéon, Québec

• Brigadier-général (à la retraite) J. Richard Genin CMM, CD
Laval, Québec

• Ken Henderson Montréal, Québec

• Laurent E. Rivard Boucherville, Québec

•   Edward Rogers              Katevale, Québec

2004

   Aucun

2003

•   Col à la retraite Jean-Louis Cousineau
   Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue,   Québec

• Louis Lang Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec

• Eugene Michaud Alymer, Québec

• Feu l'adjudant André Rioux Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec

• Peter Christopher Schiefke Montréal, Québec

2002

• Jacques Dupuis Notre Dame de l'Ile Perrot, Québec

• Norman Graham Pierrefonds, Québec

A funds raising opportunity for those Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion who wish for them to do so

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 12:34:00 GMT

Emotions

Group formed by 4 people at Branch 229 of the Royal Canadian Legion. Three of the group members are members of the Branch.

This group got together in the summer of 2010, to raise funds for the Branch. The show was a success and the people present that evening were conquered by the incredible performance of the group.

The group decided to pursue its mission and to raise funds for those Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion who wish for them to do so.

Their music is varied: traditional country music of yesterday and today.

The members of the group are;
Mrs. Annette Arsenault, musical director, who has cumulated more than thirty years of singing experience.

Mr. Dominic Sylvain, director, who is starting his career as a singer and who has quite a promising future. He has also cumulated more than thirty years of experience in entertainment.

Miss Stefanie Leblanc, who participated in many singing contests, such as the famous Star Académie; a pure and splendid voice.

Mr. Pierre Charbonneau, musician, cumulated a lot of experience in all types of music. Music is his passion.

We invite you to ask for our services, whether it be for a special occasion or if you wish to organize a fund raiser for your Branch; do not hesitate to contact us, you will not regret it.
Pure emotion!

We are looking forward to meeting you soon!

Ghislain Pressé, manager
Tel. : 514-750-0936
balourd-3@hotmail.com