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It was announced at DEC that CBC journalist and comedian Rick Mercer will become the third recipient of the Legion’s Founders Award to be presented in St. John’s.

Mercer has long been a staunch supporter of Canadian soldiers and veterans, regularly travelling overseas to visit troops and in particular lending his support to the military’s ‘stigma’ project to end misconceptions of mental illness.

President Tom Eagles of the Royal Canadian Legion presenting Rick Mercer with the Legion’s Founders Award at the 46th Dominion Convention in St.John’s, NL. [Royal Canadian Legion Twitter]

“I am deeply moved and flattered by this recognition,” said Mercer in a statement. “The most personally satisfying aspect of my career has been the opportunity to highlight the tremendous work of the Canadian Forces at home and overseas. As a civilian I am proud to be an advocate for their well-being.”

Rick Mercer (right) interviews Petty Officer (First Class) Dennis Hewitt, a naval boarding party instructor, in Halifax. [Cpl. Rick Ayer/Formation Imaging Services, Halifax]

In other news at DEC, B.C./Yukon Command President Marc Tremblay gave an update on efforts to build Canada’s first Veterans’ Village in Surrey, B.C., just outside of Vancouver. The current design is for two high-rise towers conceived to be reminiscent of the Canadian memorial at Vimy Ridge.

“Right now it is projected to be over 200,000 square feet and cost $130 million to build,” said Tremblay. “It will contain market housing, a Legion branch, medical services, assisted living units, a gym and at the centre would be the crown jewel of this building, a centre of excellence for PTSD research and treatment.