VIMY AWARD 2019 LAUREATE: Former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister and CSIS Director, Richard B. Fadden, O.C.

Press Release – For Immediate Distribution

Ottawa // September 25, 2019

 

The Conference of Defence Associations Institute is convening the 29th annual Vimy Gala on November 8th at the Canadian War Museum, during which time it will be celebrating Richard B. Fadden’s significant and outstanding lifetime contribution to Canadian security and defence and the preservation of our democratic values.

Mr Fadden joins a select group of past awardees which includes Her Excellency Adrianne Clarkson, the Honourable BIll Graham, MGen Roméo Dallaire, and the Right Honourable Joe Clark.

The 2018 laureate, LGen Christine Whitecross (2018) sat on the Selection Committee alongside Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Richard Wagner, Chief of Defence Staff Jonathan Vance, industry representatives, members of the CDA Institute’s board of directors, and Mr Chiko Nanji, the 2019 Vimy Award Exclusive Sponsor.

“It was an honour to work with Mr Fadden over many years and through the many critical appointments he held. I learned from his vast knowledge and deep commitment to the security of Canada and our allies. He is a consummate professional and a most worthy recipient of the Vimy Award.”

Chief of Defence Staff Jonathan Vance

 

“Dick Fadden’s long and distinguished career in the Public Service of Canada was most appropriately recognized by his award of the Order of Canada in 2017, and with the Vimy Award we now have the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible contributions he has made in the protection, security and defence of the Nation.”

Chair of the CDA Institute Board and Former Vice Chief of Defence Staff LGen Guy Thibault (Ret’d)

 

Always at the forefront of issues of national importance, Mr Fadden has never shied away from bringing national security concerns to the public’s attention. During his time as the Director of CSIS, Mr Fadden was prescient, not to say courageous, in speaking publicly about the threat posed by foreign governments inside Canada, particularly by China and Russia.

 

At the Department of National Defence, where he served as Deputy Minister (2013-15), Mr Fadden had a powerful positive impact on both the culture and morale of the department by moving to better integrate the civilian and military missions, which had come to be regarded in previous years as the “two solitudes”.  Through leadership and persuasive argumentation, including in Cabinet Committees, he managed the government’s mandated budget reductions in a way that protected our military capabilities and principal defence roles, while identifying cost savings. He developed a sustainable plan to ensure that the CF would have the manpower and capability to fulfill its missions in the defence of Canada, North America (including the Arctic), and as a leading member of NATO.

The Vimy Gala is a black-tie cocktail and dinner held annually since 1991 in Ottawa to honour Canada’s fallen heroes in the context of the Remembrance Day activities held across the country. The Gala brings together active and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces alongside future officers currently enrolled at the Royal Military Colleges, as well as industry and government leaders and international guests of honour. It will be an evening to remember and to reflect upon the sacrifices many have made for our nation and for the sake of building a more just and prosperous world. It is also a celebration of Canada and men and women who serve.

 

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MEDIA CONTACT

Jennifer Giguère-Pitre

jennifer@cdainstitute.ca

613-236-9903

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