Lifetime Contribution

Dr. Black is an Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology and Department Chair in Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria. He has worked with the Canadian Military and Veteran Community as a clinician and researcher for 20 years with a focus on group counselling for PTSD and transition to civilian life.

He is the co-founder and lead researcher of the COPE (Couples Overcoming PTSD Every day) Program where he learned the many benefits that come from including spouses in programs for PTSD, such as enhancing relationship satisfaction and reducing isolation and shame in Veteran families.

Dr. Black also helped the organization of the 2016 CIMVHR Forum in Vancouver and was named a CIMVHR Research Fellow in 2017. Dr. Black is one of the founders of the Veterans Transition Program and is the former National Clinical Director for the Veterans Transition Network.

Lieutenant General Louis Cuppens was born in Nijmegen in the Netherlands during World War II. Canada so influenced his family that they immigrated to Canada in 1950, and he chose to spend his adult life in the service of Canada as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. After 10 years in the Army, he transferred to the Air Force and rose steadily through its ranks until his retirement in 1998, after 38 years of service, as Deputy-Commander-in-Chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command. He is past president of the New Brunswick Aerospace and Defence Association, past chair of the Defence Committee of Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, past National President of the Last Post Fund, and has served in various executive positions in the Corps of Commissionaires, as well as serving as the National President of the United Services Institutes. Mr. Cuppens’ lifetime work and dedication to help Veterans has greatly contributed to the betterment of Canada’s Veterans.

For 71 years, Ken Reimer contributed much of his time and energy to the Royal Canadian Legion. Having served in the Second World War himself, the comradeship he felt with fellow Veterans turned into a dedication to help those in need.

After joining the Legion in 1948, Ken became an important member of the Chatsworth Legion Br. 464 in 1985. There, he held the position of Service Officer for 11 years, only retiring from that role in 2018.

During his time as Service Officer, Ken supported many individuals with Veterans Affairs claims, often travelling great distances at his own expense to secure new resources. He also kept a constant eye on local Veterans, ensuring their basic needs were met.

Ken always made time to help and continually went above and beyond the call of duty. His generosity and determined efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him the utmost respect from his community.

Luc served with the Canadian Armed Forces for eight years as a telecommunications specialist and on the crew of the 12e Régiment Blindé du Canada. As a Veteran himself, Luc’s vision played a crucial part in the creation of the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA,) an organization that represents the interests of Canadian Aboriginal Veterans and serving members who are of Aboriginal descent. He currently holds the position of Vice President and acts as a Provincial Director for Quebec.

Luc served with the Canadian Armed Forces for eight years as a telecommunications specialist and on the crew of the 12e Régiment Blindé du Canada. As a Veteran himself, Luc’s vision played a crucial part in the creation of the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA,) an organization that represents the interests of Canadian Aboriginal Veterans and serving members who are of Aboriginal descent. He currently holds the position of Vice President and acts as a Provincial Director for Quebec.

In his time on the Ombudsman’s Advisory Committee, Luc brought thoughtful and sound advice to the table. He is an advocate and voice for Aboriginal Veterans and their families, especially those who are living in remote communities with little access to health and home care services. His guidance is often offered up to those who require assistance obtaining those services, and he maintains communication with his area Members of Parliament in pursuit of fair treatment for Aboriginal Veterans.

Luc’s commitment to fairness and unwavering care for those who have served has positively impacted the daily lives of many individuals. He is held in high esteem by colleagues, friends, and Veterans across the country.

Earlier this year Mr. Joseph Paquette received a Veterans Ombudsman Commendation for Lifetime Contribution from Craig Dalton at the Credit River Métis Community office in Brampton.

Mr. Paquette is President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans Council and a member of the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones. Mr. Paquette served with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and has actively promoted his Métis heritage and the contributions of his fellow Métis veterans locally, provincially, and nationally.

We salute Mr. Paquette for his continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of Veterans and their families.

Captain (Ret’d) Robert Thibeau served in the Canadian Armed Forces for almost 38 years. Proud of his Indigenous heritage, Robert was heavily involved with Indigenous programming within the military. Now retired, he is an active and committed volunteer in the Veterans Community.

Robert is a well-respected and valued leader in the Aboriginal Veterans’ community and is often approached for advice and wisdom on matters related to Indigenous Veterans and still serving members. He is the founding member and president of the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones, an organization dedicated to advocacy, community service and remembrance. As a representative of all Aboriginal Veterans, he has conducted culturally-significant ceremonies during overseas commemorative events, and taught numerous Indigenous Awareness courses to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).