The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) and Queen’s University share a unique partnership that stretches back well over a century, and on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, RMC recognized Queen’s University for the establishment of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research – a unique organization which contributed in bolstering and strengthening the bond our institutions share.
“We are grateful for Queen’s University mobilization of Canadian academic capacity and capabilities, which have significantly extended stakeholders and societal commitment and contribution to Canadian military and veteran health research and education,” said Commodore Josée Kurtz, Commandant of RMC, during an award ceremony that took place at RMC’s historic Currie Hall.
Accepted by Dr. Steven Smith, Queen’s Deputy Vice-Principal Research, on behalf of Patrick Deane, Principal, MGen Craig Aitchison, Commander of the Canadian Defence Academy, presented Queen’s University with the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service – an exceptionally rare award recognizing outstanding service by civilian groups that benefits the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) – on behalf General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff.
“What started out as a small group of dedicated individuals probing the unique health concerns of military personnel, veterans and their families has matured into large network conducting important research and generating impactful outcomes,” said Dr. Smith. “We are very proud of the successful collaboration between Queen’s University and the Royal Military College.”
Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Dave Pedlar, Scientific Director and representative of Queen’s University; and Dr. Stéphanie Bélanger, Associate Scientific Director and representative of RMC, Queen’s has worked in partnership with RMC on the CIMVHR since 2010 – a unique hub of 36 universities collaborating on addressing prevalent and emerging health impacts on CAF members, veterans and their families.
“Meeting those unique challenges with the latest research helps ensure that we are able to take care of our people just like they take care of us" added Commodore Kurtz. "And it’s why Queen’s, whose leadership in committing to partner up with RMC and establish CIMVHR, is deserving of this recognition we are presenting today.”
Dr. Steven Smith, Queen’s Deputy Vice-Principal Research, on behalf of Patrick Deane, Queen’s University Principal, accepted the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service – an exceptionally rare award recognizing outstanding service by civilian groups that benefits the CAF – from MGen Craig Aitchison, Commander of the Canadian Defence Academy, presented on behalf General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff.