As Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour received the first poppy of The Royal Canadian Legion 2026 National Poppy Campaign from Ms. Sharon McKeown, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. They were joined by Mr. Larry Murray, Grand President of The Royal Canadian Legion. Present on behalf of MNAC were Captain Wendy Legaarden (Ret’d) and Brigadier-General Roger Scott, OMM, CD, (Ret’d).
“The poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance, inviting us to reflect on the individuals behind the uniform and on the impact military service has on families, communities, and our nation. Today, that reflection carries added weight as we think of those affected by the tragedy at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Before accepting this first poppy, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces community who are grieving this loss. May today’s ceremony serve as a reminder that no member of the Canadian Armed Forces community stands alone, and that Canadians stand with them in moments of grief and healing.”
Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Louise Arbour, CC, OMM, COM, GOQ, CD
The Military Nurses Association of Canada extends our condolences to the families, friend and colleagues of the four soldiers killed – Pte’s Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding, Hayden Likkemark, and Sgt Morgan Wong- in the tragic fire at CFB Wainwright on 17 October 2026 and our well-wishes for the recovery of the 39 soldiers injured.
We will Remember them. Nous nous souviendrons d’eux.
Nursing Sister Ida Crocker Reunion with her Soldier – Interment
In Memoriam
Nursing Sister Lieutenant (Ret’d) Ida Lillian Crocker
29 June 1920 – 7 June 2026
Lest We Forget | N’oublions jamais
The Military Nurses Association of Canada / Association des infirmières et infirmiers militaires du Canada
honours the life and service of Nursing Sister Lieutenant (Ret’d) Ida Lillian Crocker, a Second World War veteran,
longtime member of the military nursing community, and cherished friend whose legacy of duty, honour, and compassion
will continue to inspire generations. Ida was interred at Beechwood National Military Cemetery in Ottawa with her Soldier and Husband Bob, who predeceased her, on 12 September 2026.
Tribute
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nursing Sister Lieutenant (Ret’d)
Ida Lillian Crocker on June 7, 2026, in Ottawa, just shy of her 106th birthday.
Ida joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1941 and served with distinction during
the Second World War in England and Italy, providing skilled and compassionate care to those
serving their country. Her dedication, courage, and unwavering sense of duty reflected the
very best traditions of the Nursing Sisters and the Canadian Armed Forces.
A longtime member of the Nursing Sisters Association of Canada and a cherished member of the
military nursing community, Ida remained respected and admired throughout her life. She was
a living link to an extraordinary generation whose service and sacrifice helped shape our nation.
We hold many wonderful memories of dear Ida, who attended NSAC–Ottawa Unit luncheons regularly
until the onset of the pandemic. Over the years, she remained closely connected to the Association,
supporting Nursing Sisters and Nursing Officers, and was supported in return by many devoted
friends and colleagues.
She was visited regularly by her dear friends Beth Davis and Colonel (Ret’d) Marielle Gagné.
Gail Harrod, Jeanne Jutras, Nicole Lachance, and Colonel (Ret’d) Gisèle Fontaine, in their roles
as Comfort and Friendship Coordinators, had the privilege of providing ongoing support to Ida.
We offer special thanks to Past President Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Shelley Gosselin, who
provided exceptional care, companionship, and advocacy for Ida over many years. Shelley developed
a truly special bond with Ida, calling or visiting whenever feasible, often bringing healthy
treats, tea, and, on occasion, a little bubbly.
There were many memorable occasions that brought us together with Ida in recent years: her
Quilt of Valour presentation in April 2019; the Veterans Affairs Canada Year of the Nurse
luncheon at the Château Laurier on March 12, 2020; pandemic Zoom gatherings; and the celebration
of her 105th birthday, hosted by MNAC.
It was remarkable to witness how, even at 105, Ida could vividly share her personal and wartime
experiences: stories of courage, resilience, compassion, family, and service to country. She was
a truly exceptional woman whose grace, warmth, and strength touched all who had the privilege
of knowing her.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ida’s family, friends, fellow Nursing Sisters, Nursing
Officers, and all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace, and may her memory remain a
source of comfort, pride, and inspiration.
Hommage
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que nous annonçons le décès de la lieutenante infirmière
retraitée Ida Lillian Crocker, survenu le 7 juin 2026 à Ottawa, peu avant son 106e anniversaire.
Ida s’est enrôlée dans le Corps de santé royal canadien en 1941 et a servi avec distinction
durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale en Angleterre et en Italie, prodiguant des soins compétents
et empreints de compassion à ceux et celles qui servaient leur pays. Son dévouement, son courage
et son sens inébranlable du devoir incarnaient les plus hautes traditions des Infirmières
militaires et des Forces armées canadiennes.
Membre de longue date de l’Association des infirmières militaires du Canada et membre chérie
de la communauté des infirmières et infirmiers militaires, Ida est demeurée respectée et admirée
tout au long de sa vie. Elle représentait un précieux lien vivant avec une génération
exceptionnelle dont le service et les sacrifices ont contribué à façonner notre nation.
Nous conservons de nombreux et précieux souvenirs de notre chère Ida, qui a participé
régulièrement aux dîners de l’AIMC–Ottawa jusqu’au début de la pandémie. Au fil des années,
elle est demeurée étroitement liée à l’Association, soutenant ses collègues, et bénéficiant
en retour du soutien de nombreux amis et collègues dévoués.
Elle recevait régulièrement la visite de ses grandes amies Beth Davis et la colonelle retraitée
Marielle Gagné. Gail Harrod, Jeanne Jutras, Nicole Lachance et la colonelle retraitée Gisèle
Fontaine, dans leurs rôles de coordonnatrices du programme Confort et Amitié, ont eu le privilège
de lui offrir un soutien continu.
Nous offrons des remerciements particuliers à l’ancienne présidente, la lieutenante-colonelle
retraitée Shelley Gosselin, qui a fait preuve d’un dévouement, d’une bienveillance et d’un
soutien exceptionnels envers Ida pendant de nombreuses années. Shelley a développé avec elle
un lien véritablement spécial, lui téléphonant ou lui rendant visite lorsque les circonstances
le permettaient.
Au fil des années récentes, de nombreuses occasions mémorables nous ont réunis autour d’Ida :
la présentation de sa Courtepointe de la vaillance en avril 2019; le déjeuner des infirmières
et infirmiers d’Anciens Combattants Canada au Château Laurier le 12 mars 2020; les rencontres
Zoom pendant la pandémie; et la célébration de son 105e anniversaire, organisée par l’AIIMC.
Il était remarquable de constater qu’à 105 ans, Ida pouvait encore raconter avec une grande
vivacité ses expériences personnelles et de guerre : des récits de courage, de résilience,
de compassion, de famille et de service envers son pays. Elle était une femme véritablement
exceptionnelle dont la grâce, la chaleur humaine et la force de caractère ont marqué tous ceux
et celles qui ont eu le privilège de la connaître.
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille d’Ida, à ses amis, à ses collègues
infirmières et infirmiers militaires, ainsi qu’à toutes les personnes qui l’ont connue et aimée.
Puisse-t-elle reposer en paix, et que son souvenir demeure une source de réconfort, de fierté
et d’inspiration.
Ida Crocker, remembered with affection and gratitude.
Ida with members of the military nursing community.
Veterans Affairs Canada Year of the Nurse luncheon, Château Laurier, March 2020.
Ida attending as a guest of honour, March 2020.
Celebrating Ida’s 105th birthday.
Ida with guests at her 105th birthday celebration.
A cherished moment with Ida.
Remembering Ida’s warmth and grace.
Ida among friends and colleagues.
Honouring a lifetime of service.
Date: 21 September 2026 Location: 201 Wellington Street, Ottawa, by Portage Bridge
The Thunderhead Monument is the only national monument of its kind and recognizes the historic discrimination faced by generations of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada. The funds for this monument are a gift from LGBT Purge Survivors to 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The LGBT Purge was a federal government campaign that systematically hunted, harassed, and fired LGBT member of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, and the federal public service from the 1950’s to the mid-1990s. These funds would have gone to Purge victimes had they lived long enough to make a claim in the successful class action lawsuit launched by survivors against the Government of Canada. Their legacy lives on in the Thunderhead Monument. MNAC-Ottawa Unit member BGen Roger Scott, OMM, CStJ, CD, PhD, FCAN, NP, (Ret’d) attended the opening ceremonies where he met up with his former boss, the current Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan. CMM, MSC, MSM, CD. The opening ceremony on 21 September was attended by Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Lise Arbour, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Former Member of Parliament Svend Robinson, Parliamentarians, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Invited members and most importantly, many LGBT Purge Survivors. Later the same evening, a party was held at the monument to continue the celebrations hosted by Priyanka and Maxence Garneau.
2026 Merchant Navy Veterans Day Commemorative Ceremony
Date: 1100, Sunday, 13 September 2026 Location: National War Memorial, Ottawa
The Military Nurses Association of Canada was represented at the Ottawa Commemorative Ceremony for the Merchant Navy Veterans Day by the Ottawa Unit President, Colonel Gisèle Fontaine, MStJ, MSC, CD. This year’s ceremony recognized a shared maritime heritage – from the Voyageurs who carried people, goods, knowledge, and culture across North America’s waterways, to the Canadian and Allied Merchant Navy, the American Merchant Marine, and today’s global maritime community.
Combat Medic Graduation Parades
You’re invited: Combat Medic Graduation Parades Invitation: Parades de graduation du Personnel médical au combat
COMBAT MEDIC GRADUATION PARADE
8 ~ 15 ~ 22 August 2026 Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre, Ottawa
Join the Canadian Forces Health Services Group and the Royal Canadian Medical Services Association in welcoming the next generation of Combat Medics.
Combat Medic Parades
Parade de Graduation Personnel Médical au Combat
The Royal Canadian Medical Service Association (RCMSA) and Canadian Forces Health Services Director of Individual Training & Education are pleased to invite members of the Military Nurses Association of Canada to attend one or more of the upcoming Combat Medic Graduation Parades hosted by the Combat Medic Training Depot (CMTD) this August in Ottawa.
L’Association royale des services médicaux du Canada (ASSRC) et les Services de santé des Forces canadiennes, Directeur de l’instruction individuelle et de l’education sont heureuses de vous inviter à assister à l’une ou plusieurs des prochaines Parades de graduation du Personnel médical au combat, organisées par le Dépôt d’instruction des Médics de combat (DIMC) à Ottawa.
Over the past several months, the CMTD has trained 192 Regular and Reserve Force Combat Medics in support of the new occupation and the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces. These parades celebrate the successful completion of their training and the beginning of the next chapter in their military careers.
We encourage MNAC members to join us in recognizing their achievements and welcoming these graduates into our military medical family.
Au cours des derniers mois, le DIMC a formé 192 membres du Personnel médical au combatde la Force régulière et de la Réserve afin de soutenir cette nouvelle occupation et la préparation opérationnelle des Forces armées canadiennes. Ces parades soulignent l’aboutissement de leur formation et le début d’une nouvelle étape de leur carrière militaire.
Nous vous invitons chaleureusement à venir reconnaître leur réussite et à accueillir ces diplômés au sein de notre famille médicale militaire.
Graduation Parade #1
Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026 Guests seated by: 0845 hrs Reviewing Officer: Col S. D. Pirie, Director Individual Education and Training 🎓 Approximately 46 graduates
Parade de graduation no 1
Date : Samedi 8 août 2026 Places assises au plus tard à : 08 h 45 Président de la cérémonie : Col S. D. Pirie, Directeur – Instruction et éducation individuelles 🎓 Environ 46 diplômés
Graduation Parade #2
Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026 Guests seated by: 0845 hrs Reviewing Officer: BGen M. Chenette, Commander, Canadian Forces Health Services Group 🎓 Approximately 73 graduates
Graduation Parade #2
Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026 Guests seated by: 0845 hrs Reviewing Officer: BGen M. Chenette, Commander, Canadian Forces Health Services Group 🎓 Approximately 73 graduates
Graduation Parade #3
Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026 Guests seated by: 0845 hrs Reviewing Officer: MGen S. Malcolm, Surgeon General and Director General Health Services 🎓 Approximately 71 graduates
Parade de graduation no 3
Date : Samedi 22 août 2026 Places assises au plus tard à : 08 h 45 Président de la cérémonie : Mgén S. Malcolm, Médecin général et Directeur général – Services de santé 🎓 Environ 71 diplômés
📍Location Building Air 1 Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre 1 Lewis Gun Road Ottawa, ON
📍Lieu Édifice Air 1 Champ de tir et Centre d’instruction de Connaught 1, chemin Lewis Gun Ottawa (Ontario)
Dress
Serving members: Combat Dress
Retired members and guests: Casual attire
Tenue
Militaires en service : tenue de combat
Membres retraités et invités : tenue décontractée
For more information: | Pour obtenir plus amples renseignements :
Capt/capt Elizabeth Han Administration Officer | Officière d’administration Combat Medic Training Depot | Dépôt d’instruction des Médics de combat elizabeth.han@forces.gc.ca
We hope many of you will join us as we celebrate this important milestone and welcome the next generation of Combat Medics.
Nous espérons vous accueillir en grand nombre afin de célébrer cette étape importante et de souhaiter la bienvenue à la prochaine génération du Personnel médical au combat.
Quilts of Valour™
Our heartfelt congratulations to Captains (Ret’d) Mary Ann Barber, Anne Richards, France Bergeron, and Colonel Carolyn Blanchard whose service and sacrifices were honoured with beautiful Quilts of Valour™ in January, April, May, and June 2026, respectively.
From the Quilt of Valour™ website: A Quilt of Valour™ is a hug from a grateful nation and a tribute to an injured Canadian Armed Forces member, past or present. Although most of us will never know the soldier who will receive our quilt, imagine what it would be like for you if you did know the soldier. What if that soldier was your spouse, your brother/sister, your friend or your child?
Ida Crocker’s 105th Birthday
On June 26th, we had the immense pleasure of hosting a birthday celebration for the remarkable Nursing Sister Ida Crocker at Perley Health, just ahead of her 105th birthday on June 29th. It was truly a wonderful day—Ida was joyful, animated, and full of light-hearted conversation. The room was filled with laughter and admiration as she captivated everyone with her incredible stories from her military service and rich life experiences.
We were honoured to welcome Ida’s daughters, Barbara and Margaret, who traveled from British Columbia and Kenora, Ontario, respectively. They arrived early for their family celebrations and graciously accepted our invitation to join us. It was heartwarming to have them present and to see them witness the deep affection and respect we all hold for their mother.
We were especially delighted to be joined by the Surgeon General, Major-General Scott Malcolm, CMM, MSC, CD, who took time from his busy schedule to be with us. He charmed Ida with his warm, engaging conversation and presented her with his Surgeon General’s coin, as well as birthday certificates from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and from Her Excellency the Governor General, Mary Simon, thoughtfully arranged in advance by her daughters.
Also in attendance were Royal Canadian Medical Service Association President Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Dave Borthwick, and longtime friends and NSAC members Beth Davis and Gail Harrod. Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Shelley Gosselin made one of Ida’s favourite treats—a delicious lavender cake—which was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
Most of our Executive members were on hand as well, contributing to the festive atmosphere with beautiful decorations, decadent chocolate-dipped strawberries, some bubbly, and refreshments kindly provided by Perley catering. The event was full of joy, laughter, and heartfelt camaraderie—an unforgettable celebration among military friends that Ida clearly cherished. She was especially touched by the big, beautiful birthday card signed by many of you at our May luncheon, the lovely basket of treats, and Shelley’s fragrant bouquet of flowers freshly picked from her garden that morning.
Senator Rebecca Patterson and IdaIda with Shelly Gosselin, Gisèle Fontaine, Dave Borthwick, and MGen Scott MalcolmIda with Col (Ret’d) Gisèle Fontaine, and LCol (Ret’d) Dave Borthwick, President RCMSAIda and the Surgeon GeneralIda receiving a special gift from the Surgeon General.Ida’s great big birthday card!
HMHS Llandovery Castle Commemoration 2026
Royal Canadian Navy Monument, Richmond Island, Ottawa
Colonel (Ret’d) Gisèle Fontaine, President MNAC-OU joined other dignitaries including Rear-Admiral (Ret’d), The Honourable Rebecca Patterson, OMM, MSM, CD, Senator; Marie-France Lalonde, MP; Major-General Scott Malcolm, CMM, MSC, CD, Canadian Armed Forces Surgeon-General; Colonel Carolyn Blanchard, CD, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Nursing Officer; and more in a solemn remembrance ceremony to commemorate the 108th Anniversary of the Sinking of HMHS Llandovery Castle, the deadliest Canadian naval disaster of the First World War.
On June 27, 1918, HMHS Llandovery Castle was sailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Liverpool, England, when it was torpedoed off southern Ireland by German submarine SM U-86. Of the 258 souls on board, 234 were lost. Only 24 survived. Nursing Sister Rena Maude MacLean, a featured nurse on our site, was one of the 14 nursing sisters who died that night.
Military Nurses represented at the HMHS Llandovery Castle 2026 CommemorationDignitaries and participants at the 2026 HMHS Llandovery Castle Commemoration.
National Peacekeeper’s Day
Date: 9 August 2026 Location: Ottawa
Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have served in various peace support efforts will gather at events across the country to honour their comrades. A national ceremony is held each year in Ottawa at the Peacekeeping Monument on the Sunday closest to August 9.
AGM & Spring Luncheon, 2026
The MNAC-OU 2026 AGM and May Luncheon held on 29 May 2026 was a wonderful celebration of connection, shared stories and cheerful company! Here are some of the highlights:
Significant Milestones Achieved:
The announcement of our new motto “Duty, Honour, Compassion”; thank you to Captain (Ret’d) Nicole Lachance for this meaningful contribution
The unveiling of our updated crest representing our new name, but keeping the heritage of the original Nursing Sisters Association of Canada crest
The launch of this new MNAC Website!
Chief Nursing Officer Update. Canadian Armed Forces CNO, Colonel Carolyn Blanchard, gave an informative presentation on changes to the Nursing Officer Occupation. It was very positive and encouraging to see them make so much headway with the number of leadership positions, the advancement of the Nurse Practitioner specialty, and so many other hard fought battles. Congratulations to Colonel Blanchard and her team on these significant and well-earned advancements!
New MOU with the Canadian Nurses Foundation. With this new MOU, ratified this past April, we have updated our instructions to the CNF. Main changes include:
Granting the scholarship award on an annual vs bi-annual basis
The award is for former and currently serving Military Nurses or a family member
We specified the scholarship is for Masters or Doctorate nursing studies
An interest earned annually from the Fund will first support a $3,000 scholarship
Any additional interest earned will support funding for Canadian Nurses Association Certification courses
Thank you to the Executive for their exceptional efforts and to everyone who attended and helped make the day a success! A special thank you to Major (Ret’d) Linda Jackson who not only was in charge of the luncheon as Social Convenor, but also volunteered to act as Secretary for the AGM in Sheila Newland’s absence. Much appreciated!
We look forward to our next gathering in November. Watch for details.
