Western honoured for Reserve Force support

By Communications Staff
May 26, 2011

The University of Western Ontario will receive the National Award for Most Supportive Employer in Canada for support to Canada’s Reserve Force at a ceremony June 1 in Ottawa. Twenty awards will be presented by the Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) to government, business and educational institutions from across the country during the 9^th biennial National Employer Support Awards.

Every two years, reservists and reserve units nominate employers or educators who have gone out of their way to help balance civilian commitments and military duties.  

Gitta Kulczycki, vice-president for resources and operations, will accept the award on behalf of Western during the ceremony at the Canadian War Museum. Lt.-Col. Brock Millman of 31 Canadian Brigade Group, Petty Officer (First Class) Jeff Gardiner of HMCS PREVOST and Chief Warrant Officer Robert Talach of the 4^th Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, all of which are in London, nominated the organization for its support.

“This event will highlight only some of the measures taken by employers and schools to ensure reservists can train and deploy with the Canadian Forces,” says John Eaton, CFLC national chair. “These organizations deserve our gratitude for making sacrifices that contribute to our country’s defence.”

The ceremony is likely to be a high-profile event, with more than 200 senior business, political and military leaders expected to attend. Journalist Lisa LaFlamme will act as master of ceremonies.

The CFLC comprises civilian business leaders and educators who volunteer their time to promote the Primary Reserve Force, Canada’s part-time military, by highlighting the benefits of Reserve Force training and experience within the civilian workplace. The granting of awards flows from the CFLC’s mission of educating organization leaders about the Reserve Force and encouraging them to support training and operations with minimal impact on Reservists.
The council’s next awards events will be held in 2013.

Information about the CFLC and the nomination process can be found at the council's website.