OTTAWA, ON — General Dynamics Canada received the Award for Most Supportive Employer in Alberta, in a ceremony Friday at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. The award was presented by the Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) at their Tenth Biennial National Employer Support Awards ceremony, to honour government, business and educational institutions for their support of the Primary Reserve Force.
“General Dynamics Canada continues to fully support my Army Reserve career along with many other Reservists in the company,” said Colonel Nic Stanton, Assistant Chief of Staff (Training) at Land Forces Western Area Headquarters, who nominated his employer to receive the award. From May 2010 until June 2012, Col Stanton served as the Commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group based in Winnipeg, while simultaneously balancing his civilian career and family life in Calgary. “Although I was working the equivalent of two full time jobs, General Dynamics Canada fully supported my advancement and promotion within the company, thus allowing me to progress and move into more senior management roles whilst maintaining and excelling in the reserves.” Mr. Greg Donald, Chief Engineer Land and Joint Solutions, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Stanton, a Reservist for over 26 years, has served in various positions throughout his military career, including a United Nations Peacekeeping tour in Bosnia Herzegovina in 1994. He is employed as a Project Manager with General Dynamics Canada. “The time and effort required to be a senior reservist in the CF is considerable, this is significantly increased when you are required to command several provinces and time zones from your headquarters,” said Stanton. “Without the support of my family and General Dynamics Canada, I would not have been able to command 38 Canadian Brigade Group.”
Vice-Admiral Bruce Donaldson, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, and many other senior military and government officials were among the more than 150 guests in attendance at the awards ceremony. Retired veteran journalist, Mr. Don Newman served as master of ceremonies for the event, which was held amidst the historic military collection of the Canadian War Museum's LeBreton Gallery. 19 organizations from across Canada, including businesses and academic institutions, were recognized for their outstanding support to Canadian Armed Forces Reserve.
General Dynamics Canada has a number of employees who currently serve or have served as members of the military. David Ibbetson, General Manager, General Dynamics Canada, said “We recognize the value that Reservist employees bring to the company. The experience and perspective they gain in service of our Country supports the work they do here at General Dynamics Canada. We are proud to support them just as we are proud to support all our men and women in uniform as they enhance our security and defend the quality of life we are so fortunate to enjoy in Canada.”
The CFLC is a group of civilian business leaders and educators who volunteer their time and effort to promote the primary Reserve Force - Canada's part-time military - by highlighting the benefits of Reserve Force training and experience to the civilian workplace.
The mandate of the CFLC is to enhance the availability of Reservists for military duty by obtaining the support and co-operation of organization leaders in Canada. The CFLC's vision is that all organization leaders in Canada actively support Reservists.
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For more information please contact Captain Ryan Barber, Public Affairs Representative, Chief Reserves and Cadets at 613-992-1387 or ryan.barber2@forces.gc.ca.
Further details about CFLC or the Reserve Force Employer Support Program can be found on the Internet at www.cflc.forces.gc.ca.