On May 27, North Island - Powell River MP Rachel Blaney accepted the 2024 Esprit de Corps Women in Defence Award for her continuous work advocating for and supporting measures that improve the lives of veterans and their families.

One of the measures that Blaney highlights is her fight to have the first parliamentary study on the experience of women veterans.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honour to accept this award and to fight for the brave women who served and continue to serve our country,鈥� said Blaney. 鈥淣ever in a million years when I was elected did I think I would be recognized for making a positive change for women in defence. I鈥檝e been fortunate to learn as much as I have about how women in defence contribute to the Canadian Armed Forces.鈥�  

The Women in Defence Award is given to individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the Canadian defence sector.

鈥淲omen have a place in the military, and we need to be doing what we can to make sure that the Canadian Armed Forces is adapting to work for women,鈥� Blaney added. 鈥淭o do that, we must support and listen to the women who are already there.

鈥淎s someone who represents Comox 19 Wing, this is an incredible honour. I鈥檓 deeply grateful to the people who nominated me.鈥�