Mishall RehmanSeveral military milestones will be celebrated this year by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) during the National Veterans Week Speakers Program (NVWSP).
The program runs from Nov. 5 to Nov. 11 and is part of Veterans Week and intended to highlight both serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans.
“The 2024 NVWSP aims to recognize the contributions of serving CAF members and veterans in defending peace, security, and Canadian values during domestic and international operations, both past and present,” stated CANFORGEN 131/24.
Celebrating Milestones
This year’s NVWSP will celebrate a multitude of Canadian military milestones. These include the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, and the tenth anniversary of the end of the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan.
This program is an intuitive of Veterans Affairs Canada and is supported by the Department of National Defence’s ADM (PA0 and other operational commands and L1 organizations).
Recruiting speakers
The Speaker’s Program will be a primarily in-person program with some virtual components.
The military is encouraging CAF members from both the Regular and Reserve Forces to register as NVWSP speakers. Those interested must have approval from their supervisor and submit an application available from the CAF resource page.
“CAF leaders are asked to support the participation of their members in the program, either in person or virtually where capacity exists,” stated the CANFORGEN.
Additionally, general officers and flag officers are encouraged to participate virtually.
If a member is approached individually by an organization, they must obtain approval from their chain of command. If a CAF member is approached to conduct a presentation, they must submit information about the planned speaking event to the ADM (PA) by Nov. 5.
Related Costs
According to the CANFORGEN, any costs associated with the speaker’s program are to be assumed by the home unit, including TD and class A pay.
“TD will be limited to activities within a total back-and-forth distance of 300 kilometres, with no overnight expenditures. However, some exemptions may apply. Units should endeavour to ensure cost efficiencies,” read the military memo.
ADM(PA) will consider funding TD on a case-by-case basis where “special opportunities may be missed due to a lack of funding or for distances greater than 300 kms.” These particular requests must be submitted by Oct. 19.
Additional and detailed information on submitting financial claims is outlined in the CANFORGEN.
According to CANFORGEN, all requests for 2024 funding must be finalized and submitted by Feb. 28, 2025.
For more information about financial instructions, contact the ADM(PA) comptroller by email at DND.DPACOMPTROLLERSECTIONSECTIONDUCONTROLEURDPA.MDN (AT)INTERN.MIL.CA.
Veterans Week
Veterans Week is commemorated each year as lead up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. This year’s Veterans Week theme is Canadian Armed Forces around the World.
“In the context of Veterans Week, from Nov. 5 to 11, Canadians will take part in commemorative ceremonies and events across the country, to honour the legacy of Canadian Armed Forces members, our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” reads the CANFORGEN.
For more information or questions about the NVWSP, contact Melodie Gratton, NVWSP coordinator, at 1-833-223-8322 or by email here.
