[Click to enlarge] Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and IVP Joe Maloney (center) speak to members of Local 146 and the media at the announcement of federal funding for Helmets to Hardhats.

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Boilermakers IVP Joe Maloney has been awarded Canada's Meritorious Service Cross for his work in founding the Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) program, which helps Canadian Armed Forces veterans find careers in the building trades when they leave the service.

Created by Queen Elizabeth II, the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to our country. They "highlight remarkable achievements that are accomplished over a limited period of time," according to the Governor General's website.

Past recipients have tackled poverty in their community, improved education opportunities for children in Canada and abroad, or raised awareness of important causes and issues.

Maloney was the driving force in launching the H2H program in 2003 while he worked in Washington as secretary-treasurer of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO. When he returned to Canada after his term was over, Maloney designed a Canadian version of the program, which started in 2007.

In the early years, getting the Canadian program started was a tough job, until a chance encounter between Maloney and the late NDP leader Jack Layton led to Layton's support. He took the issue up with then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who included federal seed money for H2H in the budget.

Harper announced the government's support for the program at Boilermakers Local 146 in Alberta. Provincial governments in Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick joined the federal government in providing seed money. The program now operates strictly on contributions from the construction industry.

"The only reason Helmets to Hardhats took off in this country is because Jack Layton supported us behind the scenes," said Maloney in a recent media interview. "He was instrumental in talking to Harper and getting him to endorse and support our program."

"Our veterans are the backbone of our country," Maloney said. "They're ready to sacrifice themselves for us every day they're on duty. But returning to civilian life can be tough. We think H2H is one way of showing our appreciation for the work they do on our behalf. For what these brave woman and men do for us, I've always thought this is the right thing to do for them."

The award will be noted in the Canada Gazette in early January and will be formally presented by Governor General David Johnston at a later ceremony.