Mayor's Report
Reservists are capable and productive
By Marolyn Morrison

On Aug. 10, I had the pleasure of being selected to attend the Canadian Forces ExecuTrek program at Base Borden. This was a one-day trip with the distinct purpose to familiarize business and community leaders with the Reserve component of the Canadian Forces.

Reservists are Canadian citizens who serve in the Canadian Forces part time as soldiers, sailors and air personnel. All Reservists have civilian occupations or are students who undergo military training on a parttime basis. In Canada, job protection for Reservists voluntary on the part of the employer. In times of national emergency, the Reserve force may be mobilized and in these incidences, job protection legislation is enacted (this measure has not taken place in Canada since World War II). Many employers who employ Reservists will share their positive experiences with you. These employees bring a different skill set because of their distinct military training. They are highly motivated, capable and productive.

The ExecuTrek program gives employers a first-hand view of the quality of military training and the benefits that employers can gain from the training (such as trade skills, work habits, management skills, values and more).

This program is a direct result of the need for businesses to be supportive of their employees who are Reservists and grant them time off (without use of their vacation time) to undergo military training. Most supportive employers grant two weeks annual leave and some also consider a 12month leave (without pay) so that Reservists may

participate in a longer term activity such as a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Many businesses and municipalities have jumped aboard in support of our Reservists.

During my day at Base Borden, I had the opportunity to ride aboard a military helicopter (not so good if you are not good with heights!) and fire a standard issue C7 rifle at a target 100 metres ago (I was pleased that I was able to hit the target with all 20 shots). This was also a chance to see our soldiers conducting combat operations in an exercise environment.

Colonel William Coyle, a representative from the Canadian Forces, and also a resident of Bolton, will be presenting to council in the near future regarding this program and its merits. I look forward to sharing my positive experience with council at this time.