On March 14, a celebration of the life of Julie Lindhout (1941-2023), former and long-time president of the Atlantic Council of Canada—today known as the NATO Association of Canada—and a director of the Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI), was held at the RCMI in Toronto.
Attendees, which included family and members of the NATO Association of Canada and RCMI communities, came together to remember the many ways in which Julie impacted their lives. One after another, speakers fondly shared with those present the warm and caring demeanour that made Julie such a supportive friend, encouraging mentor, and loving family member.
These reminisces also touched on Julie’s unyielding commitment to service. As a long-time and dedicated educator, which included a stint in the upper echelons of the Ontario Ministry of Education, Julie was devoted to working to unlock the potential of those around her, especially students and young people, and to increase civic engagement in Canada.
Julie displayed the same commitment to service at the NATO Association of Canada, where she served in different capacities, including as president for fifteen years. Julie, who spent her early childhood years in the post-war Netherlands, had a deep and first-hand understanding of the costs of war and the importance of strong international institutions like NATO in promoting peace. Throughout her tenure as president, Julie worked without fail to educate others about this point and to further the NATO Association’s mandate and the cause of transatlantic security.
While Julie advanced the mission of the NATO Association in multiple respects, including taking the lead on numerous prominent events and engagements, she particularly enjoyed supporting participants of the organization’s ongoing internship program. She played an active role in developing their skills, particularly in writing. Her editorial pen helped to shape the prose and strengthen the arguments of scores of interns.
Julie’s contributions have left an enduring mark on the NATO Association of Canada. “When talking of the career of Julie Lindhout at the NATO Association of Canada, it is difficult to over-emphasize its importance in the life of the organization,” Robert Baines, current president and CEO of the NATO Association, told those assembled. The NATO of Canada will never forget that outsized influence.
