Honourary Colonel Michelle Douglas
33rd Vimy Award Laureate
Since 1992, the Vimy Award
has honoured Canadians who have strengthened our nation’s defence, security, and democratic values. Named for the bravery shown at Vimy Ridge in 1917, it has traditionally recognized military leaders, diplomats, and public servants.
This year, the Conference of Defence Associations Institute presents the Vimy Award to Michelle Douglas—whose battlefield was not combat, but conscience.
Michelle joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986, excelling as a young officer. In 1989, she was dismissed—not for failure, but for being a lesbian. Her case was part of the systemic purge of 2SLGBT+ members from Canada’s military, intelligence, and security services.
Rather than retreat, Michelle launched a lawsuit that ended formal discrimination against 2SLGBT+ service members. Thousands of careers and lives were restored, and the military began its long path toward inclusion.
For more than three decades, Michelle has continued that work—supporting survivors of the LGBT Purge, advocating for human rights, and reshaping the culture of Canada’s defence institutions. As founding Executive Director of the LGBT Purge Fund, she led efforts to memorialize this history and ensure it is never repeated. Her appointment as the first Honourary Colonel to the CAF’s Chief Professional Conduct and Culture organization reflects her lasting impact.
The Vimy Award celebrates leadership, sacrifice, and vision. Michelle Douglas embodies them all. Honouring her expands the definition of national service to include those who fight for justice, equality, and the right to belong.
“Some may ask: does this align with the Vimy Award’s legacy?
We believe it does—resoundingly. (…) Michelle’s story reminds us that courage is not always found in combat—it is found in conviction. In standing up when others are silent. In challenging institutions not to destroy them, but to make them better. Michelle Douglas’s legacy is one of transformation. She has made Canada stronger—not by force, but by principle. And in doing so, she has redefined what it means to serve”
General (Ret’d) Tom Lawson
Chair of the Board
Former Chief of the Defence Staff
Steve Saideman
Paterson Chair of International Affairs at Carleton University
“I am thrilled that Michelle Douglas has been awarded the Vimy Prize. Thanks to her courage, strength and commitment, Canadians who were systematically purged from the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada’s security and intelligence enterprise, have found justice. As a gay man, who started working in the federal government when the purge was in effect, I owe her an immeasurable debt. Her work made it possible for people like me to work in and become leaders in Canada’s security and intelligence community. All Canadians owe Michelle a debt of gratitude for being the catalyst of change that made Canada more inclusive for all its people.”
Artur Wilczyński
Former Associate Deputy Chief SIGINT, CSE
Former Ambassador to Norway
Former Director General, Security & Intelligence Global Affairs Canada
Previous Vimy Award Laureates
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 | 2023 Ambassador Jacqueline O’Neill | 2024 General (ret’d) Walter Natynczyk
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
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