March 21, 2013

Local Man receives the Veteran Affairs Commendation
Ottawa – On March 20, 2013, Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, and Ms. Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, presented Mr. John Barclay, a resident of Riverside South, with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his commitment and dedication to Veterans.

“These dedicated Canadians have worked to better the lives of our Veterans. They have each made significant contributions to the Veteran community,” said Ms. Adams. “Today, we pay tribute to these outstanding individuals and their devotion to the men and women who have served our country.”

“I am proud to honour Mr. Barclay for his hundreds of hours of volunteer work to improve the lives of Veterans,” said Poilievre. “For over seven years, he has brought happiness and joy to the lives of Veterans living at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre.”

Mr. Barclay is a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran. Since May 2005, he has volunteered at the Perley and Rideau Centre every Tuesday afternoon, bringing residents to listen to a music program. It provides an opportunity for Veterans to participate by singing along and actively listening to the music. He has contributed more than 378 hours with this music program. Mr. Barclay also provides many hours of accounting skills to the Veterans’ Council, saving the Council bookkeeping fees. He tracks incoming and outgoing funds, pays bills and generally manages the Council’s banking.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation includes a bar, which can be worn below official decorations on a recipient’s blazer, as well as a lapel pin for civilian wear and a certificate.

The Commendation is presented to individuals who have contributed to the care and well-being of Veterans and to the remembrance of their contributions, sacrifices and achievements. It is intended primarily for Veterans, but in some circumstances may also be awarded to non-Veterans. Nominations may be submitted at any time and are reviewed annually by an advisory committee.

Find more information on the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, including the accomplishments and biographies of the recipients, at Veterans.gc.ca.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran–Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton and Ms. Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs present a Parliamentary Certificate to Mr. John Barclay, whose family stands beside him.

Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton and Ms. Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs present a Parliamentary Certificate to Mr. John Barclay, whose family stands beside him.