October 29, 2019, Vancouver, BC – MNC President Chartier and MNBC President Clara Morin Dal Col and Vice-President and Minister of Veterans Lissa Smith honoured 95 year old WWII Métis veteran George Watson at his seniors home, Finnish Home, in Vancouver BC. His daughters Shirley Dery, Shawne Dery, and his grandchildren joined the Métis Nation leaders for the ceremony. At the ceremony, President Chartier presented a $20,000 cheque to Métis veteran Mr. Watson. The cheque is part of $30 million contained in Budget 2019 by the Trudeau government to commemorate forgotten Métis soldiers.
Originally from Stavely, Alberta, Mr. Watson served in the Naval Forces of Canada from July 3, 1942 to October 9, 1945. He fought in the Battle of the Atlantic. After he returned to Canada, he served with the Royal Canadian Reserves from December 22, 1947 to March 8, 1957. He received the Defence Medal 1939-1945; the Service Medal/Good Conduct 1945; and the War Service Badge.
Shirley Dery says that she’s very proud and happy that the Métis Nation leadership recognized and honoured her father.
President Morin Dal Col stated “that it was an honour to participate in awarding Mr. Watson the long awaited recognition for his many sacrifices in serving his country and the world in difficult times and wished him and the family all the best.”
President Chartier reaffirmed “the Métis Nation’s appreciation for the significant contributions made by Mr. Watson to the fight for a free world and serving his nation and country in times of great threat to world peace.”
