About the Veterans Ombudsman Commendation
Recognizing exceptional contributions to the well-being of Veterans and their families
Many individuals and groups work tirelessly on behalf of Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and their families. It is often the dedication, hard-work and selfless motivation of these individuals and groups that lay the groundwork for positive and lasting change for the Veterans' community. Past recipients of the Commendation are inspiring examples of these qualities.
The Veterans Ombudsman, in consultation with the Veterans Ombudsman's Advisory Council (VOAC), awards the Veterans Ombudsman Commendation, in recognition of the efforts of these individuals and groups. The intent of the Veterans Ombudsman Commendation is to recognize and honour the exceptional dedication, hard-work and selfless motivation of an individual or group's contribution to Canada's Veterans and their families.
Who can be nominated?
Any individual, group, business or organization that has made an exceptional contribution to the well-being of Veterans and their families can be nominated. Volunteers often add substantially to Veteran community and we want to recognize them. We welcome submissions each year in the late spring, early summer. You can read more about how to nominate someone and download our form on the nomination page.
Please note that current members of the Advisory Committee and staff of the Office of the Veterans Ombud are not eligible for the Commendation, nor can they put forward a nomination. Additionally, self-nominations will not be accepted. A nominator can make a maximum of two (2) nominations in the same nomination period.
Who is the Veterans Ombudsman Commendation given to?
In order to recognize individuals, business or organizations and groups at both the national and local levels, commendations for the following categories may be awarded:
- National organization or group – to recognize the exceptional work and significant contribution of an organization or group with a national scope that have resulted in a long-lasting and positive impact on the well-being of Veterans and their families;
- Local organization or group – to recognize the exceptional work and significant contribution of an organization or group that have resulted in a long-lasting and positive impact, at the local or regional level, on the well-being of Veterans and their families;
- Individual – to recognize the exceptional work and significant contribution of an individual that have resulted in a long-lasting and positive impact on the well-being of Veterans and their families at the national or local level; and
- Lifetime Contribution – to recognize the life-long dedication, exceptional work, and significant contribution an individual has made in supporting or advocating for Veterans and their families.