The Conference of Defence Associations Institute is happy to announce the 2023 Laureate of the Vimy Award, Jacqueline O’Neill, Canada’s first Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security. The award celebrates significant and outstanding contributions to Canadian security and defence and to the promotion and preservation of Canadian democratic values. Ambassador O’Neill will be honoured at the Vimy Gala in Ottawa on November 8th.

The Captain Nichola Goddard Leadership Award was created to recognize and honour a young Canadian innovator and trailblazer who has made an inspiring early or mid-career contribution to Canadian security and defence. The Captain Nichola Goddard award is about remembering the leadership qualities of Nichola Goddard, her character and her vibrant spirit. The award is intended to celebrate modern soldiers who live and succeed by the same values that Nichola demonstrated including; inclusivity, commitment, courage, and valour. The Captain Nichola Goddard award is about remembering the leadership qualities of Nichola Goddard, her character and her vibrant spirit and is intended to celebrate those who break barriers every day, and who live and succeed by the same values that Nichola demonstrated: inclusivity, commitment, courage, and valour.

The Ross Munro Award recognizes Canadians whose outstanding service to their craft is a testament to the power of national defence and security storytelling in journalism, videography, photojournalism, or authorship. Award recipients demonstrate professional excellence and objectivity in coverage of national defence and security issues, providing insight, analysis, or examination of the context. Areas of focus include the Canadian Armed Forces, departmental and national security agencies and must contribute to a wider public awareness and national discussion. Works of distinction demonstrate the importance of sharing stories that impact all Canadians and strengthen and preserve democratic values.