On 04 Feb 2026, the Real Property Operations Unit (West) (RPOU(W)) partnered with the Defence Team Canadian Asian Network (DTCAN) to deliver a meaningful and culturally rich Professional Development (PD) session. This grassroots initiative led by RPOU(W) DTCAN members and supported by L1 Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) representatives Angela Wang and Lamare Robinson focused on strengthening cultural awareness, inclusivity, and shared understanding across the Defence Team.
The session opened with an educational presentation by Angela Wang, who explained the significance of the lunisolar calendar. She highlighted how Lunar New Year celebrations are determined by the alignment of lunar cycles with solar seasons, forming the basis for festival dates, cultural practices, and the rotation of the Chinese Zodiac. The Lunar New Year will be on 17 Feb 26.
Capt Kyle Ho brought the traditional folktale “The Legend of Nian” to life. He described how early communities used loud sounds, the colour red, and collective unity to repel the mythical beast, “Nian.” The story embodies themes of resilience, courage, and community strength which values that have shaped Lunar New Year traditions since the earliest periods of Chinese history.
Lamare Robinson discussed universal themes that carry through Lunar New Year celebrations worldwide, including renewal, reflection, unity, and hopes for prosperity. She emphasized that while many customs originated in China, these traditions spread globally over thousands of years through migration, trade, conflict, and cultural exchange. Because many cultures observe variations of lunisolar‑based celebrations, the more inclusive term “Lunar New Year” is broadly embraced.
The PD session concluded with a meaningful Chinese Buffet Farewell Luncheon to Carolyn Driscoll, RPOU(W) Procurement Officer and the last original member who served through the 2016 transformation of RPOU(W). Carolyn has witnessed the evolution of Real Property management from the former Engineer Services era, and her dedication has made a lasting impact on the organization. To honour her contributions, she was presented with the RPOU(W) Commanding Officer’s Coin.
Carolyn will continue her public service career at Real Property Operation Section Edmonton, where she will take on new challenges leading a procurement team, an opportunity that reflects her skill, experience, and passion for the work. In her farewell remarks, she shared “When you love what you do every day, work no longer feels like work. Thank you to RPOU(W) for being such a great place to grow and develop my leadership. Happy Lunar New Year.”
As part of continued grassroots cultural engagement, a series of Lunar New Year celebrations will take place across all Edmonton Messes in the coming weeks. The next major cultural PD event with RPOU(W) will be Asian Heritage Month. If you are interested in participating in grassroots cultural initiatives or supporting DTCAN activities, please reach out: dtcan-raced@forces.gc.ca
Happy Lunar New Year.