NICKEL BELT-GREATER SUDBURY – Canadians in uniform serve our country with bravery, honour and dignity—some making the ultimate sacrifice. We continue to preserve their legacy and recognize their contributions and sacrifices as a way to pass the torch of remembrance to future generations.

Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources announced Government of Canada funding benefitting two Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury Legions. MP Serré made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

The Onaping Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 503 is receiving $5,593 to replace and construct a new cenotaph. The Onaping Falls Cenotaph commemorates the residents of Onaping Falls who lost their lives during the Second World War, some of whom still have descendants living in the community. A wreath is laid at the cenotaph every Decoration Day and Remembrance Day. To preserve the heritage and history of the original monument, the existing plaque will be restored and installed on the new cenotaph. The inscription will read, “At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them” in both French and English.

The Falconbridge-Garson Royal Canadian Legion Branch 336 received $10,845 through the Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund (VOESF), a $20 million dollar fund established to help Veterans groups with operational costs and financial shortfalls incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this funding helped with snow plowing and their winter maintenance contract. It will also support the upcoming summer maintenance contract along with payments for utility bills.

Quick Facts

• The Onaping Falls Legion Branch 503 cenotaph funding is through the Community War Memorial funding via Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program.
• Veterans Affairs Canada honours those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace, and to keep the memory of their achievements and sacrifices alive for all Canadians.
• The Commemorative Partnership Program is a modest funding program that helps communities across the country honour the contributions and sacrifice of those who have served in Canada’s military over the years. 

• The Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund is a temporary grant program created to help address some of the funding shortfalls of Veterans organizations. This fund is expected to help Veterans organizations remain viable during COVID-19 by covering a portion of their operating costs.

Quotes

“Honouring those who’ve given so much to our country is something communities across Canada have been doing for generations, and Legion branches like 503 in Onaping Falls and Falconbridge-Garson Branch 336 play a big part in that. Whether it’s helping to fund the creation of the new cenotaph in Onaping Falls or providing the financial assistance that Branch 336 needs to weather the pandemic, I’m glad that we’re able to provide them with the support they need to continue their vitally important work.” - The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence 

“Legions play a critical role in our communities. They offer a place to remember, to gather and to honour those who give so much for our country. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many Legions in difficult circumstances. Despite this, members are still finding innovative ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others and in the important commemoration of those lost. I am thrilled that both Legions have received assistance to bring their important initiatives to fruition.” – Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt

"The Onaping Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 503 is thankful for the federal funding enabling us to honour our local heroes with a new cenotaph. Commemoration is an important part of keeping memories alive and paying respect to those who bravely served our country." - John Getchell, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 503 President

"The Falconbridge-Garson Royal Canadian Legion Branch 336 is thankful for the financial assistance through the Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund (VOESF) program. The pandemic has had a significant impact on our fundraising capabilities and this investment has allowed us to keep our doors open to serve the members of our community at a time when they need it most." - Stuart O'Neil, Royal Canadian Legion Branch President Branch 336

Associated Links

• Community War Memorial fund
• Veterans Affairs Canada COVID-19 support

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Contacts

Kaylie Dudgeon,
Special assistant
MP Marc G. Serré, Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-507-2416