You can use your smart phone to browse stories in the comfort of your hand. Simply browse this site on your smart phone.

    Using an RSS Reader you can access most recent stories and other feeds posted on this network.

    SNetwork Recent Stories

Supporting Alberta’s veterans and their families

HDownload Audio

by ahnationtalk on July 30, 2020523 Views


A new post-secondary award supports our veterans as they transition from service to new careers.

The Alex Decoteau Award of Honour recognizes the sacrifice of our brave Canadian Armed Forces members and their families and honours the service of Pte. Alex Decoteau. This new $5,000 award supports Albertans who have served our country and wish to pursue a post-secondary education.

“Each day, members of the Canadian Armed Forces risk their lives to protect ours. All Albertans share gratitude and respect towards these heroes and their families. Honouring the memory of Alex Decoteau’s service and sacrifice reminds Albertans that our freedom and quality of life is due to the sacrifices of Canada’s brave women and men in uniform.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

“We are keeping our promise to support our military families and help our veterans access the education and training they need to build rewarding civilian careers. The dedication and sacrifice of Alberta’s Canadian Armed Forces members deserve our recognition and our action. This new post-secondary award honours their legacy and supports their future.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

The award is dedicated to Alex Decoteau who, prior to his military service, became Canada’s first Indigenous police officer when he joined the Edmonton Police Service in 1909. Decoteau was Cree, and served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. He was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele.

Award applications will open on Aug. 1. The award is available to Canadian Armed Forces members who actively served in a designated military operation in the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular or Reserves), or were permanently disabled as a result of participation in Canadian Armed Forces training in Canada. It is also available to immediate family members of Canadian Armed Forces members killed or permanently disabled during active service or training. The award criteria was shaped in consultation with government, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence and veterans’ organizations.

“There is no higher form of public service than to risk one’s life in defence of our country or maintaining public safety. The sacrifices that members of the Canadian Armed Forces have made in protecting our communities is courageous and we recognize the value of the important work they do. The Alex Decoteau Award of Honour is one of the ways we can support those who have selflessly protected us each and every day and pursue post-secondary education.”

Brad Rutherford, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont and liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces

“As a proud Canadian Army veteran and father of three university students, I welcome the provincial government’s decision to honour Alexander Decoteau – a distinguished Canadian soldier – with a scholarship fund for serving Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. This scholarship is a fitting tribute to the ultimate sacrifice Pte. Decoteau made while fighting for Canada in the First World War, a sacrifice that enables us to walk freely and enjoy our lives in this great province of ours more than 100 years later.”

David S. Blackburn, director, military employment services, Prospect Human Services

Quick facts

  • Eligible applicants will receive a one-time award of $5,000.
  • Up to 200 awards will be available annually.
  • All programs that lead to an academic credential at Alberta’s public post-secondary institutions are eligible, including journeyperson certificates.
  • Alex Decoteau was born on Red Pheasant First Nation in Saskatchewan in 1887.
    • He joined the Edmonton Police Service in 1909.
    • He represented Canada in the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden.
    • In April 1916, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and served in the First World War.
    • Decoteau was killed by a sniper’s bullet on Oct. 30, 1917, during the Battle of Passchendaele.

Related information

Multimedia
Premier Kenney: Alex Decoteau Award of Excellence

Media inquiries
Laurie Chandler
780-203-8462

Press Secretary, Advanced Education

NT5

Send To Friend Email Print Story

Comments are closed.

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More