The provincial government is launching a new Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence (OVACSE).
The award honours individuals for exceptional and ongoing service to their communities, such as work to help veterans re-integrate into civilian life, supporting those dealing with ongoing mental or physical injuries, or other broader community-building initiatives.
“Premier Ford and our government are proud to launch the Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence, a historic program to honour the invaluable volunteer efforts of our veterans,” said Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor. ” We can never fully repay those who have served our country, but this award will help strengthen our province by recognizing the legacy of our veterans and their contributions to building a stronger Ontario.”
The new initiative makes Ontario the first province in Canada to establish an award specifically dedicated to honouring veterans’ excellence in community service.
Each year, Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion will nominate one veteran who has demonstrated significant and sustained contributions to their community through exceptional work.
The nominating branches of the Legion will present certificates and lapel pins to award recipients during local ceremonies.
Ontario is home to approximately 149,000 veterans, and each year, approximately 9,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from military service.
The deadline to nominate someone for the award is August 31.
More information about the award and the nomination process can be found by clicking here.
