Ombudsman recognizes members of Canada’s Defence community with the 25th Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation
Ombudsman Message | 08 October 2026
I was honoured to celebrate the achievements of members of Canada’s Defence community at the annual Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation ceremony.
This commendation recognizes individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to support their colleagues, help resolve complex challenges, and contribute to meaningful, lasting improvements across the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.
We were joined by distinguished guests who came together to recognize the dedication and impact of this year’s recipients, including Dr. Andrea Hoffman, daughter of Liz Hoffman; General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff; as well as representatives from the DND and the CAF.
Their presence underscored the importance of recognizing those whose commitment to service, leadership, and advocacy strengthens Canada’s Defence community.
It was a privilege to recognize this year’s recipients of the Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation:
Major Marlene Shillingford
For over 40 years, Major Marlene Shillingford has distinguished herself through perseverance, professionalism, and a commitment to serving her country.
In 1992, when told her dream of joining the Snowbirds was unattainable, Major Shillingford chose determination over doubt. Through relentless effort, she earned her place and made history as the first female aircraft technician with 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. She later returned as Crew Chief, setting a powerful precedent of excellence and resilience.
Her career reflects a rare combination of technical expertise and distinguished leadership, encompassing roles as a member of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force in Geilenkirchen, Germany to Division Chief Warrant Officer of 2 Canadian Air Division. In every role, she consistently inspired others to reach new heights.
Beyond the uniform, Major Shillingford has transformed personal success into opportunity for others—championing equity, establishing bursaries for Black and racialized women in the DND and CAF, and mentoring future leaders across Canada.
A trailblazer, mentor, and advocate, Major Shillingford’s legacy reminds us that while we cannot control the headwinds we face, we can always choose how high we fly.
Major Mary Valair
Major Mary Valair is recognized for her exceptional moral courage, compassionate leadership, and unwavering commitment to fairness, dignity, and inclusion within the Canadian Armed Forces and the broader Defence community. Over nearly a decade of dedicated service, she has consistently gone beyond the expectations of her role to advocate for members facing inequity, workplace conflict, personal hardship, and systemic barriers, earning the trust and respect of colleagues, leaders, and those she has served.
Through her leadership within the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization and across multiple appointments, Major Valair has championed meaningful and lasting improvements to the lived experience of Defence Team members. Her efforts have strengthened support for families, advanced inclusion and accessibility, promoted women’s health and wellness, improved workplace practices, and fostered respectful dialogue on complex and sensitive issues. Her ability to bring diverse perspectives together, identify practical solutions, and resolve concerns informally has strengthened trust, cohesion, and psychological safety throughout the Defence community.
A trusted mentor and advocate, Major Valair has devoted countless hours to supporting members through professional, personal, and mental health challenges, helping individuals find constructive paths forward while preserving dignity and professional relationships. Even while facing profound personal adversity, she continued to place the well-being of others before herself, demonstrating remarkable resilience, humility, and selfless service.
The Together We Stand Foundation
Since 2017, the Together We Stand Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening Canada’s military by ensuring that the families who stand behind those who serve are recognized, supported, and never forgotten.
Founded by Rick and Lillian Ekstein, first-generation Canadians and children of Holocaust survivors, Together We Stand was created as an expression of gratitude to Canada for the opportunity it gave their family to rebuild and thrive. Inspired by the service and sacrifice of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families, what began as a personal commitment to giving back has grown into a national movement supporting and advocating for military families.
Guided by the belief that family readiness is mission readiness, Together We Stand has contributed more than $8 million in support of Canadian Armed Forces families. Through innovative programs such as Operation Care Package, which has delivered more than 19,000 care packages during deployments, and the Operation Emergency Fund, which has provided rapid and confidential assistance to more than 2,300 families facing urgent challenges, the Foundation has delivered meaningful, compassionate, and practical support when it is needed most.
The Foundation has also strengthened the Defence community through education and advocacy. Its national awareness campaigns have reached millions of Canadians, increasing understanding of the unique sacrifices and contributions of military families. Together We Stand further helped establish Military Family Appreciation Day, now observed nationally each year, ensuring that the vital role of military families receives the recognition it deserves.
I extend my sincere congratulations and thanks to these exceptional recipients. In the spirit of Liz Hoffman, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping others, championing fairness, and creating positive change across Canada’s Defence community.
Mario Baril
Ombudsman