DND Honours Nova Scotia Award Recipients
The Canadian Forces Liaison Council presented awards to the Nova Scotia government, the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board and VanOostrum Farm Equipment Ltd. at a national ceremony at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
Brian MacIsaac, principal of Bible Hill Central Elementary School, represented the school board, which was recognized as the Most Supportive Employer in Nova Scotia for efforts with reservist employees. Several school board employees have been granted military leave to serve six-month deployments to overseas operations.
Other reservists were given time off to pursue military training. Military leave is extended through the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board's leave-without-pay policy.
Patrick VanOostrum, president of VanOostrum Farm Equipment Ltd. of Port Williams, received an award at the June 9 event for Support to Canadian Forces Operations - Domestic. Mr. VanOostrum permitted his reservist employee to participate in a number of domestic operations, including search and rescue and post-hurricane disaster cleanup, and to take military career courses.
The government of Nova Scotia received the Special Award for support to the reserve force for passing Bill 80, the Canadian Forces Reservists Civilian Employment Act. The award acknowledges that the legislation protects the civilian employment of Nova Scotia reservists, puts the province in a leadership role in the job protection, and has led several other provinces to begin similar actions.
Murray Scott, Minister Responsible for Military Relations, received the special award on behalf of the province.
"The provincial government acknowledges Bible Hill Central Elementary School and VanOostrum Farm Equipment Ltd. for their commendable support for reservists on their staffs. They deserve our appreciation," said Mr. Scott.
"And I am particularly proud that Nova Scotia's contribution through the one-of-a-kind job-protection legislation that was passed last year is causing other provinces to consider copying our initiative. Any of them can be next, but none can be first. That place belongs to Nova Scotia."
The Canadian Forces Liaison Council is a group of civilian business people who volunteer time and effort to promote the Canadian Forces Reserve Force and the value of reserve training.