Vimy Gala
Now in its 33rd edition, the Vimy Gala is widely recognized as one of the most exclusive and distinguished events in Canada’s defence and security community. Each year, the Gala brings together Senators, Members of Parliament, foreign dignitaries, senior public servants, general and flag officers of the Canadian Armed Forces, and leaders from the defence and security industry to honour Canada’s fallen heroes and celebrate exceptional Canadians who have shaped the nation’s defence and security landscape.
More than just a ceremony, the Gala is a powerful evening of reflection, recognition, and national pride. At its centre is the presentation of the Vimy Award—an esteemed honour recognizing a Canadian who has demonstrated selfless service, visionary leadership, and a lasting commitment to national defence and the preservation of democratic values.
As a hallmark on the national calendar, the Vimy Gala is a unifying and inspiring experience that pays tribute to the values of service, sacrifice, and excellence.
Event Details
November 5, 2025
Canadian War Museum: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8
Sequence of Events
Chairman’s Circle VIP Champagne Private Reception (by invitation only) : 1700-1745
Vimy Gala Reception: 17:30-1900
Dinner and Award Ceremony: 1900-2100
Vimy Award
Established in 1991, the Vimy Award is one of Canada’s most prestigious honours in the defence and security community. The award recognizes a Canadian who has made a significant, outstanding, and enduring contribution to the defence and security of our nation, as well as to the preservation of the democratic values that define us. Recipients of the Vimy Award are individuals whose leadership, vision, and dedication have had a lasting impact on Canada’s national security, both at home and abroad.
The award is named in honour of the Canadian soldiers—comprising the four divisions of the Canadian Corps—who fought with extraordinary courage and determination to secure victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. That pivotal moment in Canadian military history stands as a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and national pride. The Vimy Award carries forward that legacy by celebrating individuals who embody the same spirit of service and commitment to country.
Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 Vimy Award Laureate, who will join the ranks of a distinguished group of Canadians recognized for their exceptional contributions to our nation’s safety, sovereignty, and democratic integrity.
General (ret’d) Walter Natynczyk, CMM, MSC, CD
32nd Vimy Award Laureate
The Conference of Defence Associations Institute is happy to announce the 2024 Laureate of the Vimy Award, General (ret’d) Walt Natynczyk for his significant and outstanding contributions to Canadian security and defence and to the promotion and preservation of Canadian democratic values.
General Walter Natynczyk’s career and service to the nation have been exemplary, culminating with the roles of Chief of the Defence Staff, President of the Canadian Space Agency, and Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Reserve Your Table at the Gala
Sponsorship packages for the Vimy Gala offer a variety of tailored benefits and high-visibility opportunities designed to suit different levels of support. Each package includes a reserved table for eight guests, ensuring your organization is well represented at this premier event.
Due to limited seating and consistently high demand, early reservation is strongly recommended. To learn more about various sponsorship levels, pricing, and to secure your table, please contact Jennifer Giguere at jennifer@cdainstitute.ca.
Hosted Guest Program
We are happy once again to provide the Hosted Guest Program which allows table holders to donate seats (in divisions of 2) to share the Vimy Gala experience with key stakeholders in our community. If you are interested, please let us know and we will help you find and connect with the right match. Participants include:
- Currently serving general and flag officers (allow for a +1 spouse)
- Veterans from the Perley Rideau Health Centre (allow for a +1 – caregiver)
- Royal Military College Officer Cadets
- Volunteer Member of the CDA Institute Board of Directors
Please note that in the case of the general and flag officers requested guests, DND will conduct due process to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest.
Once your table is secured, a member of the CDA Institute team will reach out to you regarding the Hosted Guest Program and other information on your Gala experience.
Vimy Award Laureates (1991-2023)
1991 Joe Clark, Right Honourable | 1992 John de Chastelain, General |1993 Lewis MacKenzie, Major-General |1994 William Howard, Major-General | 1995 Roméo Dallaire, Major-Général |1996 Jack Granatstein, Doctor | 1997 Brian Dickson, Right Honourable | 1998 Larry Murray, Vice-Admiral | 1999 Charles H. Belzile, Lieutenant-général | 2000 Barnett Danson, Right Honourable | 2001 Leonard Birchall, Air Commodore | 2002 John Allen Fraser, Colonel, the Honourable | 2003 Paul David Manson, General | 2004 David Bercuson, Doctor | 2005 Gordon Hamilton Southam | 2006 David Fraser, Brigadier-General | 2007 Ray Henault, General | 2008 Rick Hillier, General | 2009 William Kenneth MacDonald, Warrant Officer | 2010 Adrienne Clarkson, Right Honourable | 2011 Jonathan Vance, Major-General | 2012 Federick Mannix, Honorary Colonel | 2013 Don Macnamara, Brigadier-General | 2014 Blake Goldring, Honorary Colonel | 2015 Hugh Segal, Senator | 2016 James Boutilier, Doctor | 2017 William Graham, Right Honourable | 2018 Christine Whitecross, Lieutenant-General | 2019 Richard Fadden, OC |2020 J.O. Michel Maisonneuve, Lieutenant-général |Ambassador Jacqueline O’Neill
Vimy Gala Sponsors
Exclusive Partner Awards & Recognition
Premier Partner
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Operational Partners
