On a recent working conference in Halifax our crew of Action Canada Fellows had the pleasure of visiting the HMCS MONTREAL. Our guides from the Royal Canadian Navy gave us a fascinating inside look at life and work on a Navy frigate. It was a great opportunity to learn about the Navy’s activities and the challenges they face.

While we were on our tour of the ship, at one point our guide removed his hat while he spoke and held it in his two hands. I noticed he had a photo of his loved ones taped inside and I was immediately struck by the sacrifice these men and women make every day in service to our country. When I leave for work in the morning, it is under the assumption that at the end of the day I will return to my cozy home and loved ones. When these men and women leave for work each morning, they may not know what the day, month, or year will bring. They may not know how long they will be separated from their loved ones.

They have built their careers by standing up for justice, freedom, human rights and equality for all, and have sacrificed much of their personal lives to dedicate themselves to the service of Canada. One of Action Canada’s goals is to build leadership skills among its Fellows, and I can’t think of more worthy role models than the men and women in the service of the Royal Canadian Navy.

– Sarah Robinson, ’14