Bursaries

The Captain General’s Diamond Jubilee Bursary (CGDJB) was established in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The RCA Heritage Fund underwrites the provision annually, of up to five $1000 bursaries.

Eligibility

Qualified immediate family members of serving Primary Reserve members of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery are eligible to apply for a CGDJB.

“Qualified immediate family members” means a spouse, son or daughter, or a person under the legal guardianship of a Primary Reserve member of The RCA.

Applicants must be enrolled in, or continuing their studies at a provincially-recognized post-secondary educational institution (e.g., community college, technical training institution or university).  Attendance may be full time, part time or by correspondence, however, the program of study must lead to the awarding of a certificate, diploma or degree.

A maximum of two bursaries may be awarded to an individual during their lifetime.

Application Procedure

Bursary application is available here.

Applications must be returned to the Chair of the CGDJB Selection Committee, at the address provided, not later than 30 September of each calendar year.

Bursaries will be awarded based on the decisions of the Selection Committee.

RHQ RCA will notify successful applicants by mail and arrange for the presentation of a $1000 cheque.

Past Recipients

2021

• Sarah-Maude Robert
• Emilie Robert
• Abigail Gallant
• Caroline St-Hillaire

2020

• Sarah-Maude Robert
• Abigail Gallant
• Caroline St-Hillaire

2019

• Sarina Lizotte
• Claire Lizotte
• Cameron LeLond
• Javier Mullally

2018

• Brendan Jackson Gittens
• Chelsea Alexandra Gittens
• Kaitlyn Houle

2017

• Cassandra Chevalier
• Sarah MacVicar

2016

• Sophie Bordeleau
• Cassandra Chevalier
• Caitlin Fong
• Jade Fong
• Madison Lank

2015

• Sonia Berrera-Hernandez

2014

• Deborah Prsad
• Natasha Ross

2013

• Spencer Andre Tanguay
• James Blight
• Sofia Berrera-Hernandez

2012

• Alexandria Appel
• James Blight
• Sofia Berrera-Hernandez

The George Blackburn Memorial Bursary

Introduction

Captain George Gideon Blackburn CM MC (February 3, 1917 – November 15, 2006) was a decorated Canadian Gunner veteran of the Second World War; a playwright; and, an award winning author. Captain Blackburn worked as a newspaper reporter for the Ottawa Journal in Pembroke, Ontario prior to joining the Army as a member of 4th Field Regiment RCA. He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions as a Forward Observation Officer helping to save the Twente Canal bridgehead in Holland.

He returned from overseas to serve as Director of Information and Director of Fair Employment Practices, for the Federal Department of Labour. Starting in the 1950s he became producer of the longest-running radio show “Canada at Work”, as well as an award-winning documentary film script writer, which films included topics on the Older Worker; Anti-Discrimination; a film starring Wayne & Schuster called “You Can Go a Long Way”, encouraging teenagers to stay in high school rather than drop out and the country’s most successful government campaign, “Why Wait for Spring? Do It Now!” Winter Works Campaign, which revolutionized winter construction and employment during the winter months.

Born in 1917 in a farmhouse near Wales, Ontario, a village which disappeared beneath the waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Captain Blackburn would later commemorate the ‘saga of the Seaway’ in his musical play, “A Day to Remember”, whose songs were among hundreds, for which he composed words and music. His musical was professionally performed for two summers, at a theatre of his own creation, near Upper Canada Village. His last expressed wish was that “young people be made aware of the sacrifice made by (generations of) soldiers on behalf of Canadian freedom.” Only weeks prior to his death, he had made his final of several visits to the Home Station to address the Junior Officer Course.

In memory of Captain Blackburn, The RCA Regimental Fund underwrites the provision annually, of up to four $1000 bursaries.

Eligibility

All former Regular Force members of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (RCA) and qualified immediate family members of serving and former Regular Force members of The Royal Regiment are eligible to apply for a George Blackburn Memorial Bursary.

“Qualified immediate family members” means a spouse, son or daughter, or a person under the legal guardianship of a serving or former Regular Force member of the RCA.

(Note: As serving members themselves have access to public money to advance their education, they are not eligible for this bursary.)
Applicants must be enrolled in, or continuing their studies at a provincially-recognized post-secondary educational institution (e.g., community college, technical training institution or university).

Attendance may be full time, part time or by correspondence, however, the program of study must lead to the awarding of a certificate, diploma or degree.

A maximum of two bursaries may be awarded to an individual during their lifetime.

Procedures

Bursary application is available here.

Application must be returned to the Chair of the George Blackburn Memorial Bursary Selection Committee, at the address provided, not later than 30 September of each calendar year.

Bursaries will be awarded based on the decisions of the Selection Committee.

RHQ RCA will notify successful applicants and arrange for the presentation of a $1000 cheque.

Past Recipients

2021

• Avery Vieveen
• Shelby Steele
• Hailey Lyttle
• Catherine Leblanc

2020

• No applicants

2019

• Dominique Johnson
• Raphaelle Walsh-Beauchamp
• Patricia Voyer
• Jillian Lackey

2018

• Ashley Burke
• Lauren Gallagher
• Chelsea Gittens
• Chantal Grondin
• Dominique Johnson
• Adrienne Little
• Kayli McGarrigle
• Mikaela Miller

2017

• Tracy Draho
• Ronnett Ikerenge
• Julia Johnson
• Franny McKellips
• Tanner McKinnon
• Keegan O’Shea
• Belinda Thomas
• Stephanie Voyer

2016

• Cassandra Chevalier
• Katia Guzzardi
• Ainsley Howard
• Julia Johnson
• Carrie-Anne MacIntyre
• Rebecca Pospolita
• Nikki Vidal
• Caroline Voyer

2015

• Kayleigh Beaudry
• Elizabeth Bobbitt
• Melissa Chetwynd
• Joseph Kawobata
• Rachel Pospolita
• Deborah Prasad
• Isabelle Tobbett-Hobson
• Stephanie Voyer

2014

• Melinda Kelly
• Claire Lizotte
• Keegan O’Shea
• Jonathan Penney
• Nikki Vidal
• Caroline Voyer
• Raphaelle Walsh-Beauchamp
• Brittany Young

2013

• Jean-Francois Bellemare-Caron
• Carol Gibson
• Cassandra Hatery
• Melinda Kelly
• Isabelle Meade
• Charlotte Nauss
• Rachel Pospolita
• Dorothee Sevigny

2012

• Marisa Auger
• Jean-Philippe Bouchard
• Marie Pier Bouchard
• Devan Frigault
• Isabelle Meade
• Kimberlie Miller
• Emily Milligan
• Nicole Murphy
• Ryan O’Leary
• Gabrielle Pelletier
• Charles Sevigny
• Dorothee Sevigny
• Erika St-Pierre
• Laurie St-Pierre
• Anne-Marie Woodgate

2011

• Alexandra Cochrane
• Natalie Flanders
• Christopher Hillier
• Danielle Kettle
• Alexander Morgan
• Heather Ouellette
• Valerie Russel
• Garrett Tholberg

2010

• Kayleigh Beaudry
• Guylaine Godin
• Kathy Guillemettre
• Danielle Kettle
• Sarah MacVicar
• Mark McNair
• Emily Morgan
• Heather Ouellette
• Gabrielle Paquet-Pelletier
• Andrew Penney
• James Hugh Selbie
• Molly Woodgate

2009

• Chantal Couture
• Kasey Douglas
• Evan Embree
• Nathan Fortin
• Amanda Gallant
• Jessica Gaudett
• Stephanie Grout
• Seanna McDonald
• Nancy Miller
• William Ouellette
• Andrew Penney
• Molly Woodgate

2008

• Valerie Belval
• Vanessa Blouin
• Janessa Champagne
• Evan Embree
• Megan Farrell
• Sabrina Gagne
• Amanda Gallant
• Tracey Linski
• Kimberlie Miller
• Jennifer Niittynen
• Andrew Ouellette
• Emilie Russel

2007

• Shawn Alexander Campbell
• Janessa Champagne
• Mark McNair
• Kristi Munro
• Matthew Ouellette
• William Poirier-Blanchet
• Maria Woodgate

The Captain G.R.E. Nicholls Memorial Award for Post-Secondary Education

Introduction

Captain George Nicholls joined “C” Battery, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in 1933 and left the Army 31 years later.  He spent nine years in wartime in the UK, France (including Brest in 1940), Holland, and in Korea.  He also served during the occupation of Germany.  In peacetime he served in Winnipeg, Camp Hughes/Shilo, Petawawa, Calgary, Gagetown, and finally, Lethbridge. He was pleased to have been the RSM of 3 RCHA.  He died in 1987.

Captain Nicholls’s daughter, Dr. Janice Nicholls Goerzen, had the privilege of receiving her schooling through excellent army camp schools.  Her sponsorship of this bursary is in appreciation of the support she received, in the form of a military bursary, for her Master of Science program at the University of Calgary prior to medical school.  It is also in honour of her father.

An award of $3000 will be made annually.

Eligibility

Canadian citizen.

Regular component (retired or serving) artillery soldiers, including members of the RCA Band, and their immediate family members (spouse, son, daughter or under the legal guardianship).

Enrolled in the second or higher year of post-secondary education or in a post-graduate programme of study.

Enrollment must be in an accredited Canadian university or college.

The applicant may apply for this annual award more than once.

Most substantial fields of study are acceptable; preference will be given to applicants pursuing a degree or certificate in specific human and veterinary health sciences or who plan to use the degree in a way which will benefit the military.

Application Procedure

Bursary application is available here.

The RCA Association will manage the award and make the selection of recipients.  The application form must be received by the Secretary no later than 31 December.  The recipient of the award will be announced in late February.

Past Recipients

2021

• Ms. Joyelle Norris

2020

• Ms. Claire Lizotte

2019

• Ms. Patricia Voyer

The Lieutenant-Colonel Jack de Hart MC CD Bursary

Introduction

Lieutenant-Colonel Jack de Hart was a distinguished Gunner officer with many years service in the Regular and Reserve components of The Royal Regiment. In 1953 he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in Korea. While in support of the Royal Netherlands Battalion which had come under a heavy Chinese night attack and had suffered many casualties, including a company commander killed, Captain de Hart “directed artillery fire with outstanding success”, inflicting over 125 casualties and aborting two Chinese raids. He was President of the RCAA in 1978-79. Well known for his love and very exacting observance of Gunner traditions, particularly those pertaining to Mess Guest Nights, he epitomized the finest qualities of a Gunner officer. Lieutenant-Colonel de Hart died on 6 November 1992.

In memory of Lieutenant-Colonel de Hart, the Royal Canadian Artillery Association underwrites the provision annually, of a $3000 bursary.

Eligibility

Applicants for this bursary must be members of the Reserve component of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery who have successfully completed at least one year of post-secondary education; successfully completed DP1 Artillery officer or higher qualification training; and, be recommended by his/her Commanding Officer.

Application Procedure

Bursary application is available here.

Applications must be returned to the Chair of the Lieutenant-Colonel Jack de Hart MC CD Bursary Selection Committee, at the address provided, not later than 31 December of each calendar year.

Bursaries will be awarded based on the decisions of the Selection Committee.

The Executive Director of the RCAA will notify successful applicants and arrange for the presentation of a $1000 cheque.

Past Recipients

2021

• No applicants

2020

• Lieutenant Daniel Drouin, 6th Field Artillery Regiment RCA

2019

• Lieutenant Finyanos, 1st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Artillery Regiment RCA

2018

• No applicants.

2017

• Major S.A. Graham, 7th Toronto Regiment RCA

2016

• Lieutenant Ye, 2 Field Regiment RCA

2015

• Lieutenant Joyelle Norris, 26 Field Regiment RCA

2014

• Not listed in the Annual Report.

2013

• Captain Denomme, 62e Régiment d’artillerie de campagne ARC

2012

• Lieutenant C. Young, 84th Independent Field Battery RCA

2011

• No applicants.

2010

• Lieutenant Alexandre Tremblay-Michaud, 2nd Field Regiment RCA

2009

• 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Brush, 11th Field Regiment RCA

2008

• Lieutenant T.Q. On – 11th Field Regiment RCA
• Lieutenant A. McQuarrie – 1st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Regiment RCA

2007

• Lieutenant Couture, 6e Régiment d’artillerie de campagne ARC

The Master Gunner E.M. “Chip” Evoy MM & Bar Bursary

Introduction

Elmer ‘Chip’ Evoy was a member 2nd Light Anti-aircraft Regiment RCA and served in England and in the invasion of Sicily. Early in this campaign the Royal 22e Régiment was held up by severe machine gun fire emanating from a masonry strongpoint. At great personal risk to himself and his bombardier, Sergeant Evoy moved his 40mm Bofors gun forward immediately behind the Van Doo lines and blew the strongpoint away, enabling the infantry to advance. He continued fighting in the Italian campaign but when his unit reached Ortona he was returned to England as an instructor. He remustered to The Regina Rifles and served throughout the remainder of the war in North-West Europe. As his unit neared the German border, he was again awarded the Military Medal for bravery in action, thus becoming the only Canadian Army soldier decorated for bravery in both the artillery and the infantry. Following the war, he joined the Militia but on the outbreak of the Korean Conflict he re-enlisted as a sergeant in the artillery. He remained in the Regular component of the Regiment until his retirement at which time he was a Master Gunner and Battery Sergeant Major. Master Gunner Evoy died in 1995.

In memory of Master Gunner Evoy, the Royal Canadian Artillery Association underwrites the provision annually, of a $3000 bursary.

Eligibility

Applicants for this bursary must be non-commissioned members of the Reserve component of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery who have successfully completed at least one year of post-secondary education; provided a transcript of military courses successfully completed; and, be recommended by his/her Commanding Officer.

Application Procedure

Bursary application is available here.

Application must be returned to the Chair of the Master Gunner E.M. Evoy MM & Bar Bursary Selection Committee, at the address provided, not later than 31 december of each calendar year.

Bursaries will be awarded based on the decisions of the Selection Committee.

The Executive Director of the RCAA will notify successful applicants and arrange for the presentation of a $1000 cheque.

Past Recipients

2021

• Gunner Nathaniel Lopez, 20 Independent Field Battery, RCA
• Master-Bombardier Alec Rembowski, 1st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Regiment RCA

2020

• Master Warrant Officer Cherie Koshman, 30th Field Artillery Regiment RCA

 2019

• Private Judea-Rae Juancito, 10 Field Regiment RCA

2018

• Bombardier Vanderpost, 56 Field Regiment RCA

2017

• Master Bombardier Jasmin Buccella, 7 Toronto Regiment RCA

2016

• Sergeant McMullan, 10 Field Regiment RCA

2015

• Bombardier Patricia Koch, 7 Toronto Regiment RCA

2014

• Not listed in the Annual Report

2013

• Master Bombardier Kay, 42 Field Regiment (Lanark & Renfrew Scottish) RCA

2012

• Bombardier H.S. Bhatti, 11 Field Regiment RCA

2011

• Gunner Shulist, 42nd Field Regiment (Lanark & Renfrew Scottish) RCA

2010

• Bombardier Nathan Cousineau, 116th Independent Field Battery RCA

2009

• Sergeant Dennis Carmody, 42nd Field Regiment (Lanark & Renfrew Scottish) RCA

2008

• Sergeant R. Ouellet, 6e Régiment d’artillerie de campagne ARC
• Bombardier Y. Malikov, 7 Toronto Regiment, RCA

2007

• Bombardier Artem Polyvyanny, 7 Toronto Regiment, RCA