Earlier this year, Corporal Natalia Toussaint – a financial services administrator with 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (3CRPG) – received the Chief Financial Officer Merit Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to managing 3CRPG’s finances during its’ busiest year to date.
The Government of Canada award recognizes both civilian Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) staff and personnel who have made “exceptional contributions to the financial support and management of the department and CAF operations.” The award is open to both teams and individuals.
“I provide financial assistance, resource support and budget management to my unit for day-to-day functions, including financial and policy authority, best practices and regulations for spending public and non-public funds. There are also reports to be submitted to higher headquarters and mentoring and training responsibilities,” said Toussaint, who received her award virtually.
More than 300 Canadian Rangers and headquarter staff deployed to domestic operations in 2021. Pushing the limits of the unit’s administration and finance teams, Cpl Toussaint made sure the finances of the unit’s HQ, 26 Patrols and 3 detachments were done correctly and on time. Along with improving financial processes within the unit.
“I am very proud of Corporal Toussaint, as are all our Rangers and headquarters staff. It shows again 3CRPG’s professionalism in challenging times,” said 3CRPG’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Shane McArthur.
Toussaint joined the CAF in 2018 while completing her post-graduate in government relations, and after graduating with honours she transferred to 3CRPG in 2019 as a full-time reservist. She has been the finance representative ever since.
Her mornings start with physical fitness training, Toussaint added, with the remainder of her day divided between completing financial administration requirements for the unit’s training and exercises for more than 600 Canadian Rangers and 500 Junior Canadian Rangers in northern Ontario.
“Each day is similar but different and always a challenge. I enjoy seeing the direct impact of my unit’s hard work in supporting domestic operations and our daily functions. I like the flexible hours and the further opportunities for courses and training are a bonus,” said Cpl Toussaint.
Cpl Toussaint is planning to further develop her military career by becoming a Finance Manager in the future.
By: Chris Vernon – Master Corporal Chris Vernon is a Ranger with 3CRPG at CFB Borden
