OTTAWA, TODAY: Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), proudly recognizes the Navy League of Canada for over twenty years of exemplary support and partnership in advancing Canada’s culture of remembrance, maritime heritage, and public service.

As a foundational legacy partner, the Navy League of Canada played a pivotal role in launching several cornerstone national initiatives:

• The inaugural Merchant Navy Veterans’ Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, honouring the sacrifices of Canadian and Allied merchant mariners.
• The creation of the Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing exceptional leadership, character, and devotion in meritorious military and public service.
• The 2015 launch of Wreaths Across Canada at the Notre Dame Cemetery in Vanier, a solemn act of remembrance uniting Canadians in tribute to those who served and sacrificed.

Founded in 1895, the Navy League of Canada has a proud legacy of supporting Canada’s maritime community—advocating for seafarers’ welfare, promoting naval awareness, and nurturing youth leadership through its cadet programs. During both World Wars, the League provided vital support to the Canadian Merchant Navy, operating hostels, Sailors’ Homes, and welfare services that sustained morale and wellbeing.

“The Navy League of Canada’s steadfast commitment has been instrumental in ensuring that the service and sacrifice of Canada’s Merchant Navy, both wartime and modern, remain an enduring part of our national memory,” said Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and CEO of the MNCTP. “Their leadership and collaboration have helped shape a lasting legacy of remembrance, education, and unity.”

As we mark over 20 years of international recognition of Merchant Navy Veterans’ Day—observed in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand—the MNCTP extends heartfelt gratitude to the Navy League of Canada and its members for their continued leadership in preserving Canada’s maritime and naval heritage.

Together, we honour the past, strengthen the present, and inspire future generations to carry forward the legacy of service, sacrifice, and national pride.

About the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP):
The MNCTP is a Canadian-led initiative dedicated to recognizing the contributions of wartime and modern seafarers alongside their military counterparts, through remembrance, education, and national ceremonies.

About the Navy League of Canada:
Established in 1895, the Navy League of Canada is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting maritime knowledge, supporting youth cadet programs, and advocating for the welfare of sailors and veterans across the nation.