Applications Open for New Ontario Veterans Award

Press Release – Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

The Ontario government recently launched the 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 Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. " 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 each nominate one veteran who has demonstrated significant and sustained contributions to their community through exceptional work. The nominating branches of Legion will present certificates and lapel pins to award recipients during local ceremonies in each year.

"We applaud the Government of Ontario for launching an award that not only honours veterans but also the work they continue doing to serve their communities by volunteering. Veterans have served to protect all that we value in Ontario, and this is the least we can do to recognize their contributions when they return,” said Derek Moore, Provincial President, The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command. “The Royal Canadian Legion Branches of Ontario Provincial Command are excited to be working with the government to ensure we recognize and celebrate the contributions of veterans from all corners of the province from Ottawa to Windsor to Timmins and everything in between."

Ontario is home to approximately 149,000 veterans and each year, approximately 9,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from military service.

Quick facts

• For more information on the nomination process and eligibility criteria, visit the Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence webpage.
• All nominations must be submitted by the annual deadline of August 31.