Acting Sub Lieutenant Michael Harris welcomed us to the Lions Memorial Community Centre and outlined some of what the cadets do in the program.

 

The key themes are leadership, fitness and interest in the armed forces. Some programs are sailing, nautical traditions, Sail Canada certification, marksmanship. orienteering, music, biathlons, sports nights and summer training. Much of the cost is borne by the Canadian Armed Forces; however, The Navy League supplements with a variety of tours and a trip to Halifax during the 2024 March break.

Ciara Kinsella the 2022 Ken Turner Bursary recipient is flanked by Denise Martin on the left and Ciara's mother on the right. Ciara said she is,  "Extremely honoured and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Ken Turner Memorial Bursary." The bursary is equivalent to working part-time for an entire semester and instead of working she could focus on her academics. As well as going to class she volunteers with Connect Theatre, Dundas Baptist Church, McMaster Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department and even took part in the Mac Sci Musical.

Julia Rose is the other 2022 Ken Turner Memorial Bursary recipient. She is at the University of Guelph studying Geography. She said, "As for volunteering, I have made time in my busy schedule to be the events lead on Geography Society at the University of Guelph. Doing this, I work together with other members to plan events and organise details for students interested and studying geography." Right now she is in British Columbia tree planting. Again, her own words. "I have already planted over 4,000 trees and am excited to plant even more! This job has been both physically and mentally demanding but also physically and mentally rewarding. 

 

Congratulations to both bursary recipients.

 

Mark Robbins is Manager, Venture Projects at Transport Canada's Innovation Centre.
 
He started with some facts:

To fix this the country needs to do the following.