The Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLS) held the very first ceremony in its history to mark the change of honorary colonel on Thursday, December 12. Pierre-Paul Pharand, in post for eight and a half years, gave way to Véronique Tougas, herself named honorary captain (capv hon) of the ELRFC last September.
The ceremony which took place at the ELRFC allowed Honorary Colonel Pharand to thank the military and civilian communities before officially handing over his place to Capt. Hon Tougas.
After almost a decade of forging ties between the two communities, Mr. Pharand was grateful and emotional at the idea of turning this professional page in his life.
“Every beautiful thing must come to an end. My years at the School were truly a great professional experience with great activities and meetings with interesting people. Today, I am able to tell you that your new honorary captain will bring [les relations avec la communauté] at another level,” said Honorary Colonel Pharand.
The Commander of the ELRFC, Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Marc Kieley, highlighted how Mr. Pharand's efforts have been appreciated by the institution over the years and by the command teams. It was with energy that he welcomed Véronique Tougas into the Canadian Armed Forces family.
“To Captain Tougas, welcome to the team! […] It is a great honor to officially support you in your new role today. And on behalf of all the staff, we look forward to working with you in your mandate,” he expressed.
Liens
Taking over the functions previously assumed by Mr. Pharand, Ms. Tougas said she was deeply honored to have been chosen to be the Capv Hon of the ELRFC.
President and main shareholder of the Cambli Group, she was already involved with the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School Association (AELRFC). In particular, it deploys efforts in the IGLU Project, aimed at offering support, support and services to military families who settle in the region.
“The IGLU Project was born two years ago now, and it strongly contributed to my decision to accept this role for which I am appointed today,” she emphasizes.
During her mandate, Ms. Tougas will continue to forge links between the civil and military communities. She believes that in the end, it is both the Forces and the Johannine community that emerge as winners.
“At the end of this mandate, I would like to be able to say that we have contributed to the Canadian Armed Forces by offering a living environment to the hundreds of families who settle down each year, of course in collaboration with the [Centre de ressources pour les familles de militaires]and that in return, these families can say that Saint-Jean is truly a perfect city to live in,” expresses Capt. Hon. Tougas.
Role
Honorary naval captains are individuals who act as ambassadors of the Navy to the Canadian population by supporting the ongoing engagement and outreach efforts of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Even if they have similar roles to the Hon Capts, the honorary colonels are for their part attached to the great Air Force family.
Ms. Tougas expressed that one of the priorities of her mandate is to create a strong link between civilians and the military. She also wants the general public to become aware of the importance of the various military professions. She is committed to continuing to deploy efforts in the AELRFC and in the implementation and outreach of the IGLU Project.
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