Post by Lana Kharlip, MPA

Proud to have contributed to the successful delivery of this year’s Gala Reception of Honour alongside the exceptional team— Chair Hon. David Collenette, Robert Baines, Bogdana Torbina, and all staff and volunteers at the NATO Association of Canada. This special evening recognized four outstanding leaders with the St. Laurent Award—named in honour of Louis St. Laurent, Canada’s signatory to NATO in 1949—for their contributions to the principles of peace, security, and international cooperation rooted in the Washington Treaty. An incredibly memorable moment was witnessing Jean Riley, granddaughter of former Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, assist in presenting the awards and sharing some words with the audience. Congratulations to this year’s honourees— ✨Lieutenant-General (Ret'd) Frances Allen CMM, CD, ICD.D ✨HCol (Ret'd) Blake Goldring, C.M., O.Ont., CFA ✨Blake Hutcheson, OOnt ✨Ms Rose M Patten, OC, OOnt, LL.D. —as well as Young Trailblazer Award recipient Jake Rooke. It was a pleasure working closely with you all and your teams in the lead-up to such a meaningful evening. It was a privilege to help convene an inspiring group of honourees, sponsors, and over 300 distinguished guests, who contributed to important conversations on the evolving role of defence in Canada. Special thanks to Senior Defence Writer, Murray Brewster, whose moderated discussion was both thoughtful and timely. CBC’s The National recently aired his comprehensive report, “NATO scrambles to ready its Arctic defences,” highlighting NATO’s preparations for #ArcticSecurity—a topic of growing strategic importance. You can watch the #documentary report here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ehR8Jne8. Moments like these underscore the importance of fostering dialogue, collaboration, and engagement to strengthen Canada’s role within the NATO Alliance. Grateful to Penny Collenette. C.M., O.Ont for her guidance, our dedicated team, supporters, and sponsors—with a spotlight on BMO Bank of Montreal as presenting sponsor with Michael Bonner in the lead—for making the evening a great success. Congratulations again to all of this year’s honourees and award recipients. Read more about the Gala here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e-TMmxSK #WeAreNATO 🇨🇦 #HonouringExcellence #CanadaNATO #StLaurentAward #NAOCGala #Leadership #Diplomacy 📷 Nick Wons ______________________ FOLLOW the NATO Association of Canada page / Instagram: @NATO_Canada / Platform X: @NATOCanada / YouTube Channel: https://lnkd.in/gyS54gKx for upcoming events, and sobering world views!