Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely attended Alberta’s first annual Reservists’ Recognition Day to recognize the contributions reservists make in defence of Canada, on Sept. 24 in Edmonton.
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the 41 Signals Regiment invited Lovely and other officials to join them in their celebration.
“Their selfless work causes them to miss time with family, activities, and work in order to train and be ready to react to many types of emergency,” said Lovely.
Reservists are members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who train and serve with the CAF on a part-time basis. Reservists respond to fires, floods, and other natural disasters while helping their neighbours, community and country. In addition to their military responsibilities, they also work full-time in the civilian workforce.
Carolyn Patton from the Canadian Forces Liaison council works to advocate for employers on behalf of reservists.
Reservists attend military courses and training that last one or two weeks and they can volunteer to serve on domestic and international operations full-time. Due to the occasional leave for duty and training, reservists may find it challenging to find a stable workplace that accepts and accommodates their variable schedule.
That is where the With Glowing Hearts program steps in to help create an understanding workplace while building relationships with employers and the reservists.
It is an HR program that aims to attract and retain reservists to an organization or business. The program provides guidance and tools to support both employers and reservists. It is with programs such as the With Glowing Hearts that civilians, can get involved and make a difference.