Events

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Defence Team members at CFB Esquimalt gathered at Work Point’s Nixon Gym on Jan 21 for a free guided yoga practice in recognition of Bell Let’s Talk Day 2026. Hosted by MARPAC’s Mental and Social Wellness Working Group, the session encouraged DND staff to 'take a moment for mental health'. PSP instructor Allison Jones shared how yoga supports resilience, stress management, and community, while mental health resources were available on site to reinforce ongoing support. - On Jan 21, Defence Team members at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt were invited to pause, breathe, and reconnect during a free guided yoga practice held in recognition of Bell’s annual Let’s Talk Day. Hosted by MARPAC’s Mental and Social Wellness Working Group, the midday session took place at Work Point’s Nixon Gym and welcomed both civilian and uniformed Department of National Defence (DND) staff to ‘take a moment for mental health,’ the theme of Bell Let’s Talk Day 2026. Participants stepped away from their workday and into a calm, supportive space focused on movement and mindfulness. With yoga equipment provided on site, attendees enjoyed a welcoming guided practice led by Personnel Support Program’s (PSP) Allison Jones. The practice emphasized gentle stretches, mind-body-muscle connection, and breathwork designed to help support overall wellbeing. “Mindfulness and yoga can support the mental health and wellness of Defence team members by helping them stay present and focused, even in busy or demanding environments. Through movement and breath, yoga encourages mindfulness — paying attention to purpose in the moment,” said Jones. “It also helps build a sense of community and gives people tools to reset, manage stress, and feel more grounded, both individually and as a team.” Bell Let’s Talk Day is dedicated to opening conversations about mental health and reducing stigma across Canada. This...

Kelley Stark, MARPAC Public Affairs MARPAC hosted its first Menopause Symposium on Nov 21, creating an open space to discuss women’s health and workplace impacts. Four expert speakers addressed physical, emotional, and hormonal health, dismantling stigma while offering evidence-based guidance on treatment, advocacy, and exercise. Defence leadership emphasized that supporting menopause awareness strengthens both member well-being and overall CAF operational effectiveness. - Maritime Forces Pacific’s (MARPAC) first Menopause Symposium took place on Nov 21 in a step towards fostering awareness and support for women’s health in the workplace. Menopause impacts not only individual well-being in life, but also team dynamics, productivity, and retention — yet it remains one of the least discussed phases of life. By creating space for education and dialogue at the workplace, MARPAC is leading the way in breaking stigma and promoting inclusivity. The event was filled with attendees from diverse age groups and backgrounds, highlighting that menopause continues to be a topic that resonates beyond the demographic of middle-aged women. Captain(Navy) Mike Stefanson, Champion for the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO), opened the event, reminding audiences that mental, physical, and spiritual health are all key to operational success. “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me and the Admiral,” he said, encouraging people to lean on the DWAO team when needed. The first speaker, Susannah Stewart, a pelvic health physiotherapist in Victoria, gave a talk titled Menopause 101. She explained that menopause can happen for many reasons, including surgery or medical treatment, and that it also affects gender-diverse people. There are over 130 symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, brain fog, and anxiety. She also shared that hot flashes could signal risks for heart disease or dementia. Stewart stressed the value of pelvic physiotherapy and addressed hormone therapy. Next, Shirley Weir, women’s health advocate...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The Naden Band’s 47th annual Holiday Show returns to the Royal Theatre this Dec 8 and 9, featuring festive music and a long-standing Salvation Army toy drive partnership. Behind the scenes, the show takes nearly a year to plan, with new arrangements, scripts, and production elements crafted to surprise audiences. - The Victoria holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the return of one of the region’s longest-running musical traditions: The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) annual Holiday Show. Now in its 47th iteration, the beloved community event returns to the Royal Theatre this Dec 8 and 9, transforming the stage into a festive showcase of music. More than an incredible showcase of some of the RCN’s finest musicians, the show is also a major part of the Salvation Army’s annual toy drive. As such, ticket prices range from $10 to $15 per person with an unwrapped toy. Military members are also able to access balcony seating for $7.50 alongside a toy donation. The toy drive collaboration has been a partnership between the Salvation Army and Naden Band since the first Holiday Show in 1978 — nearly half a century worth of toys for children. “Our relationship with the organization is now 47 years, and we know how much they appreciate what we can bring to the table,” said Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Cindy Hawchuk, Production Supervisor (Vocals). “I love that the community is also aware of this partnership and show, and that they come back year after year to support.” This year’s production will feature a lively and heartwarming program of holiday favourites arranged to feature the ensemble’s musicians, including vocalist PO2 Hawchuk. “We don’t want to give too many secrets away though — you must come to one of our two...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The 25th Annual Concert of Remembrance took place Nov. 8 at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, bringing together hundreds in honour of Canadian veterans. The event featured performances by the Band of the 5th (B.C.) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and students from the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA). Proceeds benefited the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (EMFRC) and Canadian Heritage Arts Society (CHAS). - Hundreds of Vancouver Island residents recently gathered at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre to remember Canadian veterans through music and movement. A night of respect and reflection, the annual Concert of Remembrance returned on Nov 8 to honour our Canadian veterans and service members. The concert was co-presented by the Canadian Heritage Arts Society (CHAS) and the District of Oak Bay, bringing together the Band of the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA). An annual tradition since the CCPA’s founding in 1998, the Concert of Remembrance celebrated its 25th show this year. The event opened with remarks from Kevin Murdoch, mayor of Oak Bay, and Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Philip Sherwin. The night then took audience members through the realities and vulnerabilities of service with the Band of the 5th performing over ten compositions introduced by Master of Ceremonies Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) (retired) Gerald Pash. To Captain (Capt) Daniel Moses, Director of Music Band for the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, music has often played the role of an ultimate morale booster. “Music and song are crucial to being human, and that is even more apparent during times of duress. Think about the military action in Ukraine and how music, dance and song bound the Ukrainian people together against their oppressors,” said Capt Moses. “It was the same during the Second World War,...

From April 7 to 11, 2012, a contingent of 105 CF members took part in ceremonies in Europe commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.