Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation nominations

Nominations for the Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation may be submitted for members or groups of the Defence community whose actions have made a significant and positive impact on the community. This commendation celebrates those whose contributions, like Liz Hoffman, have strengthened the community through ethical leadership, conflict resolution, systemic problem solving and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fairness and inclusion. 

Nominees should exemplify one or more of the following principles:

Proactive Conflict Resolution

Demonstrates a strong commitment to resolving conflicts quickly and effectively, seeking informal solutions that promote positive working relationships. Actively supports and utilizes alternative dispute resolution methods to prevent escalation and encourage collaboration.

• Advocating for fair and equitable solutions, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
• Demonstrating empathy, fairness, and respect for all involved.
• Employing innovative and creative problem-solving techniques to address complex disputes.

Courage and Ethical Leadership

Displays the courage to confront difficult situations ensuring that challenges are addressed with integrity and fairness. Consistently works to resolve conflicts in a way that aligns with the values of honesty, and ethical behavior, setting a standard of responsibility and fairness for others.

This includes: 

• Creates a culture of open communication and early intervention emphasizing the importance of helping others and making a positive impact.
• Does not shy away from addressing difficult or sensitive situations, driven by the desire to help those affected and make a difference.
• Demonstrates the courage to intervene when witnessing unfairness, discrimination, or other harmful behaviors motivated by a commitment to help and create positive change.
• Champions systemic improvements to prevent future conflicts and promote a more inclusive environment, focusing on helping others and ensuring fairness and equity for all.

Commitment to Fairness and Inclusion

Demonstrates a strong commitment to fairness within the Defence community by recognizing and addressing issues of unfairness. Actively works to identify these concerns and takes measurable steps to resolve them in a way that upholds ethical standards, promotes equity, and ensures fairness, transparency and accountability in the workplace.

The identification of issues of unfairness and a means of resolving them includes:

• Advocating for fair and equitable treatment for all members of the Defence community.
• Taking principled stands, even in the face of opposition.
• Proactively identifying and addressing systemic issues that contribute to unfairness or inequity within the Defence community.
• Developing and implementing creative solutions to address identified issues and promote a more just and equitable environment.

Systemic Problem Solving

Individuals who take a systemic approach to problem-solving, addressing root causes and implementing lasting solutions with a commitment to helping others and making a meaningful difference.

A systemic approach to problem solving.

• Approaches problem-solving with a systemic perspective, considering the root causes and long-term implications of issues.
• Continuously seeks to improve processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in resolving conflicts.
• Taking action when recognizing an issue, unfair policy or a situation that requires attention, driven by a sense of responsibility to help others and create positive change.
• Advocating for solutions that not only resolve immediate concerns but also contribute to a fairer, more supportive, and inclusive environment.

Impact and Positive Change

Exhibits resourcefulness in proposing innovative solutions to complex challenges, going above and beyond to implement practices that resolve conflicts or issues while maintaining high standards of fairness and ethics.

Proposes or supports innovative approaches that foster fairness, collaboration, and ethical decision-making, helping to overcome challenges and improve processes.

Consistently seeks to improve processes for the greater good of the Defence community.

This includes:

• Creating a more harmonious and respectful work environment.
• Improving morale and unit cohesion.
• Preventing escalation of conflicts and minimizing negative consequences.

Members of the Ombudsman's Advisory Council, along with Liz Hoffman's daughter, review all submissions and recommend nominations to the Ombudsman. With this input, the Ombudsman selects a maximum of four recipients for the Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation.

All nominators and nominees – whether successful or unsuccessful – are advised, via a letter from the Ombudsman, of the outcome of the process.

Successful individuals/groups receive:

• A glass sculpture created by a Canadian artist;
• A citation; and
• A trip to Ottawa to be recognized at a ceremony.*

In previous years, the Minister of National Defence, the Associate Minister of National Defence, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and numerous parliamentarians, senior leaders and officials have attended the lunch and ceremony honouring award recipients.

*Note: For groups, up to two members will be invited to attend the luncheon and to receive the award and citation on behalf of the group.