Vimy Gala
Celebrating its 32nd edition, the Vimy Gala has consistently held its reputation of being the most exclusive defence and security recognition gala of its kind, annually bringing together Senators, Members of Parliament, foreign dignitaries, senior public servants and general and flag officers of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as the business community to remember and honour Canada’s fallen heroes and celebrate the lifelong accomplishments of outstanding Canadians in security and defence.
Event Details
November 6, 2024
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
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.
The Gala serves as a platform to pay homage to Canada’s fallen heroes while also celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of individuals in the realm of security and defence.
The Vimy Gala is an experience of elegance as we recognize the contributions of Canadian defence and security while offering a special tribute to those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and support for Canadian security through the Vimy Award.
For more information on the various levels of table sponsorships available, please reach out to 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
