Correction
The photo caption for this story originally said Jacqueline O'Neill was on the left. She is in fact on the right. The one on the left is Mary.
A former St. Albert resident has received a prestigious award for her contributions to Canadian peace and security.
The Conference of Defence Associations Institute announced Oct. 3 that Jacqueline O’Neill, Canada’s first ambassador for women, peace, and security, had been picked as the group’s 2023 Vimy Award laureate.
The institute is the research arm of the Conference of Defence Associations, which represents some 400,000 active and retired members of the Canadian armed forces. The institute oversees the Vimy Award, which celebrates significant and outstanding contributions to Canadian security and defence and the promotion and preservation of Canadian democratic values. Past Vimy recipients include former governor general Adrienne Clarkson and former senator Lt.-Gen. Roméo Dallaire.
O’Neill is a graduate of St. Albert Catholic High and the daughter of former St. Albert MLA Mary O’Neill. She was appointed as Canada’s first ambassador for women, peace, and security in 2019.
“Ambassador O’Neill is a trusted voice that many turn to for advice, advocacy, and action,” her citation reads.
“With her combination of diplomatic skills, operational experience, and ability to form personal connections, she influences collaboration even in the most challenging and contested spaces.”
O’Neill will receive her award at the Vimy Gala at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa this Nov. 8.
