Jo-Anne Carter’s efforts have not gone unrecognized. Recently, Carter – the long-time president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 in Meadow Lake – was among a select group of individuals from across western Canada honoured by the federal government for making lasting contributions to the well-being of Canadian veterans and to help preserve the memory of their service, sacrifices and achievements. Ceremonies to honour these individuals with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation took place in Calgary Aug. 13 and Edmonton Aug. 14, hosted by Jill McKnight, the federal minister of veterans affairs and associate minister of national defence.
“Honouring the service and sacrifice of Canada’s Veterans is a responsibility we all share,” McKnight said. “It is a privilege for me to present these eight deserving recipients with the commendation. Through their dedication, compassion and commitment, they have made a meaningful difference in the lives of Veterans and their families.” Established in April 2001 with the approval of the governor general, the commendation has since been awarded annually to selected recipients. More than 1,400 commendations have been awarded since its inception, while the honour itself consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations. The design is a gold maple leaf on a red poppy – the flower long associated with the sacrifices of war – topped with the royal crown. According to a news release issued by the Government of Canada, Carter has significantly contributed to veterans’ recognition and well-being for more than 15 years through her membership with Branch 76.
“Jo-Anne’s leadership has enhanced the Legion’s community presence and financial stability, ensuring its ongoing support for veterans,” the news release reads. “Some of Jo-Anne’s key achievements include securing contributions from local businesses in order to build a new Cenotaph, partnering with the local Freemasons to install veteran banners, creation of a photo gallery of local veterans, as well as community service activities like bingo in nursing homes and Orange Shirt Day events.” Carter is Métis, born in Ile-a-la Crosse, and has ensured First Nations and Indigenous community organizations and veterans are included in all events. “Prior to being recruited as the Legion’s director in 2015, she actively supported the poppy campaign as an event volunteer,” the news release continues. “In 2018, she was sworn in as president of the Meadow Lake branch where she promoted a strategy to grow own-source revenue to ensure the viability of the organization, as well as improve the facility structure and operations. She has been successful in both endeavours due to her tireless work to market, lead and foster the Legion as a venue for the whole community, as well as to her role in the preparation and delivery of the events hosted at the branch.”
Another of Carter’s achievements include the successful weekly wing night fundraisers hosted by the Legion. “Jo-Anne recruited several business to support the weekly fundraiser where proceeds benefit local community groups as well as the Legion,” the release states. “She has garnered groups of volunteer cooks making it a real community effort. It has been a highly successful initiative raising more than $1,000 each week. The Legion also hosts a weekly steak night and does catering for many parties. Jo-Anne volunteers to do the cooking, taking reservations, ordering, cleaning and more. She has also pursued grants to enable the organization to improve its facility and equipment. Her leadership solidified the branch as a reputable community service organization.”
“It’s really humbling,” Carter told Northern Pride with regard to the commendation. “However, it singles out an individual when we’re actually a group of people. If it was just me by myself, I would never be able to hold things together. A recognition like this should be given to all our Legion volunteers. There are some who have been there for 30-plus years and some who have been there for only one year, but we all share the goal of maintaining our presence in this community and embedding the message of remembrance – remembrance of all service people past and present. Also important is the support of our patrons and the tremendous support of our local businesses.”
Other recent recipients of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation include Francis Aranha of Calgary, AB, Chris Casey of St. Albert, AB, Russel Clark of Calgary, AB, William (Bill) Dickson of St. Albert, AB, Harvey Linnen of Regina, SK, Robert (Bob) Merrick of Calgary, AB and Christie Lynne Strazza of Cherry Grove, AB. To learn more about the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation or to nominate someone for this award, visit veterans. gc.ca.