The Canadian Forces Liaison Council honors Thales Canada
On Thursday, May 28th, a ceremony was held at the Canadian War Museum, in Ottawa, to recognize employers for their support of Canada’s Reservists. The Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) gave national recognition to Thales Canada, as the employer most supportive to reservists serving in the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS).
Thales Canada had been nominated by its own employee, Lieutenant-Colonel André Raymond, who is active in the Canadian Cadet Program and who wished to highlight Thales Canada’s unwavering support for his work.
Lt Colonel Raymond felt that “Nominating his employer for this nation-wide award was a great way to focus on its support and to formally express his own appreciation.” Thales Canada grants summer time off to Mr. Raymond, so that he may use it for something he is passionate about, namely the Cadet Program:
“I feel very lucky to be able to share my passion for the Cadets and give back to this community while working with Thales; my company and manager, Michel Lamarche, demonstrates great open-mindedness and flexibility when allowing me to be away over the summer and I am thankful to my colleagues who take over some of my responsibilities.” said Lt. Col André Raymond.
More than 300 employers and educators were nominated for the 24 awards given out this year. COATS members have the unique challenge of balancing the demands of civilian careers and/or school with their military duty in support of the Cadet Program. Employer and educator support is vital to ensure reservists achieve and maintain that balance. By supporting reservists with military leave for training and operations, employers and educators of reservists are making a strategic investment in their employees, their community, the security of Canada and developing tomorrow’s leaders.
Photo: Courtesy of CAF – Mr. Jean Fournier, Québec Region representative, Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC), Mr. Michel Lamarche, General Manager, Thales Canada Defence and Security, Optronics domain, Lt Colonel André Raymond, Thales Canada employee, in charge of the Valcartier Cadet Summer Training Centre, and Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.