Unit 318 (The Hut) board members. Photo courtesy
Veterans’ biennial convention returns to Quebec for the first time in over 50 years
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
For the first time in over 50 years, Sherbrooke will play host to the 56th biennial convention of the Army, Navy, and Airforce Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS), an event set to bring together approximately 153 delegates from across the country. The convention will take place from Sept. 6 to 11 at the Delta Hotel in Sherbrooke, and according to ANAVETS Dominion Command Vice President Linda Caron, the gathering is a milestone for Quebec.
In an interview with The Record on Aug. 15, Caron described the significance of the event for the province, as the last time the convention was held in Quebec was either in 1970 or 1972. “We don’t have the exact time because it’s way, way archived,” she said, but emphasized that it had been over 52 years.
She further noted that the ANAVETS association itself dates back even further, to 1840 when it was founded by Queen Victoria in Montreal. The event will see representation from ANAVETS units across the country, from Prince Edward Island to British Columbia, as well as international guests from the United States.
Caron’s personal journey to bring the convention to Quebec began in 2018 when she led the bid to host the event in Sherbrooke. Recalling her experience, she shared, “I stood there and I fought for them to come to Quebec.” The emotional significance of the victory was clear, with Caron admitting that it was not an easy battle. Nevertheless, Caron persisted, and despite the event being postponed due to COVID-19, she is now overjoyed to see it finally taking place this year.
The convention will serve as a vital opportunity for veterans and their families to access crucial services and resources. As outlined in a detailed email from ANAVETS Unit #318, booths at the event will feature organizations such as Veterans Affairs, which will provide information on benefits and services, and the Veterans Review and Appeal Board, which will be available to answer questions about the appeals process for disability claims.
The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, formerly the Centre of Excellence on PTSD, will offer resources and information on PTSD and other issues affecting veterans and their families. Mental Health First Aid for Veterans will also be present to provide details on their free program, available in both official languages.
Caron emphasized the importance of these resources, particularly in helping veterans who might not otherwise seek support. “We have so many veterans that we don’t even know about because they want to stay out of the light,” she said. The booths will be available from Sunday through Wednesday during the convention, offering veterans and their families a chance to engage with these services and find the help they need.
In addition to these services, the convention will also feature a variety of social and ceremonial activities. According to an email from ANAVETS Unit #318, the event will kick off with a large parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph in Lennoxville on Sunday, Sept. 8. This will be followed by an opening ceremony at the Delta Hotel, officially marking the start of the convention. Throughout the week, delegates will participate in meetings focused on resolutions and plans for ANAVETS’ future, as well as social events including live music and dancing. A sports day is also planned, featuring games such as darts, pool, and cribbage, providing delegates with a chance to relax and connect with one another.
The community of Sherbrooke has played an essential role in making the convention possible. Since 2018, numerous fundraisers have been held to support the event, which Caron described as “very expensive.” However, thanks to the collaboration of local organizations and businesses, as well as the support of the town of Sherbrooke, the convention is set to be a success. “We’re very blessed,” Caron said, noting that the community’s involvement has been crucial in ensuring the event runs smoothly.
One of the biggest challenges in organizing the convention has been coordinating transportation for delegates arriving from across the country. Most delegates will be flying into Montreal, and buses have been arranged to transport them to Sherbrooke. “We were hoping that the airport in East Angus would be open, but that’s not happening,” Caron said. Despite this setback, she expressed confidence that the transportation arrangements will work out, thanks to the cooperation of numerous partners.
The convention will continue through the week, with meetings being held all day on Monday, as delegates discuss resolutions and set the course for ANAVETS over the next two years. More meetings will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a special sports day scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, lifetime memberships and other awards will be handed out, and the new Dominion Command board will be announced. The convention will conclude with a closing banquet at the Delta Hotel on Wednesday evening, with delegates returning home on Thursday.
As Sherbrooke prepares to welcome veterans and delegates from across Canada and beyond, the event promises to be both a celebration of military service and an opportunity for ANAVETS to chart its future course. For Caron and the local ANAVETS Unit #318, hosting the convention is a significant achievement, one that reflects the strength and resilience of Quebec’s veteran community. “Let us show the rest of the country what a jewel we have here,” Caron said in an additional email, emphasizing the pride that she and her team feel in making the event happen.