Markham resident recognized for exemplary service to veterans

Helmets to Hardhats Canada founder Joseph Maloney is among 11 volunteers recognized by the federal government for their lasting contributions to the well-being of veterans and who help preserve the memory of their service, sacrifices and achievements.

He received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation from Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Jill McKnight at a recent ceremony in Toronto.

The Markham resident founded Helmets to Hardhats in 2003 in the U.S. and expanded the program to Canada in 2012, when he moved back to the country. He served as its executive director until he retired in 2023.

Helmets to Hardhats Canada is a registered non-profit organization that provides opportunities in the unionized construction industry for serving members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces. It’s recognized as a leading service provider by the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada and Canada’s 14 building trade unions, along with leading industry business owners.

Maloney garnered support as he began the initiative and obtained funding from the Canadian government and the governments of Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick, in addition to private donors. However, he was looking for a long-term sustainable funding solution and found it when he negotiated with the construction unions to add a donation of a penny per hour worked into their collective agreements, the federal government reports.

To date, Helmets to Hardhats has placed more than 4,000 veterans in the construction industry.

Additionally, Maloney and the Helmets to Hardhats team meet regularly with Canada’s 14 building trade unions, employers, training and education centres and government stakeholders to ensure veterans have a voice at the table within the construction sectors, including shipbuilding and repair, nuclear and utility industries, petro-chemical, chemical, pulp and paper, and oil and gas sectors, the federal government notes.

Maloney has ensured that Helmets to Hardhats has a presence at Second Career Assistance Network presentations on Canadian Armed Forces bases across the country to ensure the hiring of veterans is a priority, the federal government adds.

Maloney is also the recipient of the 2024 Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. The medal is the province’s second highest civilian honour and recognizes those whose leadership and exceptional volunteer service have left a lasting impact on their communities and helped build a stronger Ontario and Canada.

Photo of Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight, left, and Joseph Maloney courtesy of the Government of Canada.