Purpose & Protection

Commissionaires Nova Scotia

Commissionaires Nova Scotia proudly presents Purpose & Protection, a podcast dedicated to the people behind Canada’s security: veterans, their families, civilians and all those dedicated to keeping our communities safe. Each episode explores the lived experiences of those who’ve served, those who support them, and those shaping the future of Canada’s security landscape. From the frontlines to the home front, you’ll hear stories of resilience, leadership and purpose. As the largest private employer of veterans in Nova Scotia and Canada’s only not-for-profit security provider, Commissionaires is committed to providing meaningful employment to Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families and Canadians wishing to contribute to the security and wellbeing of Canadians. Join Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, as he speaks with veterans, security professionals and thought leaders about: -Life after service – veteran transition, support, and new opportunities -Canada’s changing security landscape – challenges and innovations -The civilian role in safety – how communities can contribute and support Leadership and purpose – serving with integrity and protecting what matters Whether you are a veteran, a supporter or simply curious about the people protecting our communities Purpose & Protection offers insight, inspiration and connection.

Episodes

  1. JAN 8

    Breaking Barriers: A conversation with HCol Doug Ruck, KC

    In this episode of Purpose & Protection, host Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, speaks with Honourary Colonel Doug Ruck, KC: a pioneer in Canadian public service and a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Doug shares his inspiring journey of breaking barriers, the evolution of Commissionaires, and why representation matters. The conversation also explores the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s only all-Black battalion in WWI, and its lasting impact on military history and racial justice. Tune in for insights on historical recognition, modern reform, and how service and community remain at the heart of Commissionaires’ mission. Topics Covered:  Human rights and civil rightsEquity, diversity and inclusionDoug’s career in lawNo. 2 Construction BattalionRepresentation in organizations and leadership Links & Resources: Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast Douglas Ruck, KC: Thurgood Marshall: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thurgood-Marshall Spotswood W, Robinson III: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/spottswood-w-robinson-iiiNova Scotia Barrister’s Society, The Ruck Report: https://nsbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/REGAINING-TRUST-The-Ruck-Report-Oct-29-2024-2.pdfNo. 2 Construction Battalion: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/no-2-construction-battalionThe Black Battalion by Calvin W. Ruck: https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S135C1915982 Rev. White Diary: https://wardiaries.ca/s/operationcanada/page/william-andrew-white National Apology, No. 2 Construction Battalion: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2022/07/09/prime-minister-delivers-apology-descendants-no-2-construction  Subscribe to Purpose & Protection for more conversations on service, security and leadership. Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia Produced by Podstarter Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca

    43 min
  2. 12/10/2025

    Civilian Service & Defence Leadership with HCol Corinne MacLellan

    In this episode of Purpose & Protection, host Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, speaks with Corinne MacLellan, a communications strategist and Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Halifax Rifles, about the essential role of civilian leadership in Canada’s defence and security landscape. Corinne shares her journey of service, including her work in public affairs, Indigenous relations, and military engagement. From founding Halifax International Fleet Week to supporting Canadian Armed Forces reservists through the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, her contributions highlight how civilians can meaningfully support national defence. Together, they explore the power of storytelling, the importance of community partnerships, and the impact of honorary military roles in strengthening the connection between Canadians and the Armed Forces. Whether you're in uniform or a civilian, this conversation is a powerful reminder that service to country takes many forms. Topics Covered:  Civilian service and support in defenceHonourary roles in the Canadian Armed ForcesMilitary history and heritage in Nova ScotiaIndigenous and community engagementReservist support and the With Glowing Hearts programWomen in public service and defence leadershipStrategic communications in national security Links & Resources: Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast About Corinne MacLellan: https://www.canexusgroup.com/corinnemaclellan The Halifax Riffles: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/5-canadian-division/the-halifax-rifles.htmlCanadian Forces Liaison Council: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/canada-reserve-force/about-canadian-forces-liaison-council.html Service and Sacrifice: Extraordinary Nova Scotians in the Great War by Ken Hynes: https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S135C2132625 Lieutenant Colonel Roderick Campbell McLeod: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/360302 Army Museum, Halifax Citadel: https://armymuseumhalifax.ca/ RA Park and South Barracks: https://hmhps.ca/sites/RA-park-and-south-barracks-area Honourary Appointments: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/showcasing/honorary-appointments.html CADPAD: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/news-publications/2024/02/cadpat-mt-uniforms.html Mes Kit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/dress-manual/chapter-5/annex-b.html With Glowing Hearts Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/canada-reserve-force/supporting-reservists/with-glowing-hearts.html Sam Glode: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/samuel-glode  Alex Decoteau: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alex-decoteau  Operation Bluenose: https://ns.legion.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ABMO_50_-_2020_-_Operation_Bluenose-4c1.pdf Subscribe to Purpose & Protection for more conversations on service, security, and leadership. Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia Produced by Podstarter Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca

    38 min
  3. 11/05/2025

    Honour, Country, Sacrifice: Capturing the Faces of Service with Trevor Godinho

    Acclaimed Toronto-based editorial photographer Trevor Godinho joins host Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, to discuss his powerful portrait series, Honour Country Sacrifice. This moving project captures the stories and faces of Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present, highlighting the diversity and humanity behind the uniform. Trevor shares how the series honours veterans and serving members from all walks of life, including women, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ communities, and people of colour. Rather than focusing on medals and accolades, Honour Country Sacrifice shines a light on personal stories of dedication, resilience, and quiet sacrifice, from WWII veterans to newly enlisted recruits and families of the fallen. Through compelling photography and storytelling, Trevor aims to preserve the legacy of service and deepen our understanding of what it truly means to be Canadian. Topics Covered:  Trevor’s journey as an editorial photographerThe inspiration behind Honour Country SacrificeVeteran recognition and inclusive storytellingRemembrance Day reflectionsMilitary history and personal narrativesIdentity, service, and Canadian values Links & Resources: Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast Trevor Godinho: https://trevorgodinho.com Honour Country Sacrifice: https://honourcountrysacrifice.com Trevor’s photography subjects: https://trevorgodinho.com/portrait-sessionsCamp X: https://www.camp-x.com/Royal Canadian Military Institute: https://www.rcmi.org/ The Enigma Project: https://www.enigmaproject.ai/ The First Force: https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/the-force-the-legendary-special-ops-unit-and-wwiis-mission-impossible/The Devil’s Brigade: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/what-the-devils-brigade-did-in-world-war-ii/ Elinchrom: https://www.elinchrom.com/ Captain Nichola Goddard Women in Leadership Series: April 2025: https://truepatriotlove.com/get-involved/events/captain-nichola-goddard-women-in-leadership/ Fred Arsenault and Bren machine gun: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/fred-arsenault-world-war-2-vet-birthday-cards-1.5485335 Liberation of Holland: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/liberation-of-holland Commander Paul Smith: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/paul-smith HMCS York: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/official-military-history-lineages/lineages/list-commissioned-ships/york.html The Hidi Group: https://hidi.com/Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation: https://veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/who-we-are/department-officials/minister/minister-veterans-affairs-commendation/trevor-francis-godinho Subscribe to Purpose & Protection for more conversations on service, security and leadership. Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia Produced by Podstarter Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca

    35 min
  4. 10/08/2025

    Empowering Service with Brigadier-General Mark Parsons

    Brigadier-General Mark Parsons, CD, from the 5th Canadian Division, joins host Colonel Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia and a senior officer in the Primary Army Reserve, for a compelling conversation about the vital role of the Canadian Reserve Force in national security and community support. Often referred to as “citizen soldiers,” Reservists are part-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who serve their country while maintaining their civilian careers. They live and work in the communities they protect, bringing unique skills, purpose, and dedication to both their civilian and CAF roles. Whether your interests lie in the Reserves, leadership development, or community service, this conversation provides meaningful insights into the individuals who answer the call when their country and communities need them most. We actively encourage Reservists to consider becoming Commissionaires, as we are committed to ensuring they have secure employment upon their return from deployment. Topics Covered:  What it means to be a reservist Community Impact within Atlantic CanadaHow reservists contribute nationally and globallyInsights into being a Reservist How to join the Reserves and start your journey How organizations can support service Links & Resources: Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast Brigadier-General Parsons Bio: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/senior-leaders/5-canadian-division.html Canadian 5th Division: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/5-canadian-division.html Operation PROTEUS: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/operation-proteus.html Reserve Force: https://forces.ca/en/reserve-force/ Operation REASSURANCE: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/operation-reassurance.html Operation IMPACT: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/recently-completed/operation-impact.htmlOperation UNIFIER and the Ukraine War: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/operation-unifier.html Jobs in the Reserves: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/jobs-careers/summer-jobs.html Commissionaires Canada Celebrating 100 Years of Service: commissionaires100.ca Subscribe to Purpose & Protection for more conversations on service, security, and leadership. Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia Produced by Podstarter Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca

    36 min
  5. 09/17/2025

    Canadian Defence with the Honourable Peter MacKay

    In this inaugural episode, Commissionaires Nova Scotia CEO and host, Barry Pitcher, sits down with the Honourable Peter MacKay, PC, KC, to discuss the evolving security landscape and the importance of supporting Canada’s veterans. From service to defence, this conversation explores leadership, legacy and national purpose.  Topics Covered:  Peter MacKay’s role with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as Defence Minister during the Afghanistan conflictImportance of ensuring the CAF has support, resources, capabilities, respect and personnelChanges in Canada’s security environment Arctic Defence and Halifax connection with NATO DIANAVeteran advocacy and supportCommissionaires Hiring Veterans and First RespondersVolunteering in the Community, Peter MacKay and Wounded Warriors  Links & Resources: Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast  About The Honourable Peter MacKay: https://www.mcinnescooper.com/news/deloitte-canada-and-mcinnes-cooper-welcome-former-cabinet-minister-the-hon-peter-mackay-p-c-q-c/ About the Afghan Conflict: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/afghanistanWounded Warriors: https://woundedwarriors.ca/What is a challenge coin? https://commissionaires.ca/en/articles/specially-minted-challenge-coins-presented-to-commissionaires-during-the-organizations-centennial/ Westray Mine Tragedy: https://museumofindustry.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/coal-and-grit/tragedy-westray NATO DIANA: https://www.diana.nato.int/ Human Trafficking Awareness: https://commissionaires.ca/en/articles/commissionaires-nova-scotia-joins-fight-against-human-trafficking/Navigating the North, McInnes Cooper Event https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/92ab0b29-bf64-4ca9-86aa-64a2a0d5f2ab@88a63737-494d-4ec2-91b9-8d86f2908c74Subscribe to Purpose & Protection for more conversations on service, security and leadership.Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia Produced by Podstarter Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca

    47 min

About

Commissionaires Nova Scotia proudly presents Purpose & Protection, a podcast dedicated to the people behind Canada’s security: veterans, their families, civilians and all those dedicated to keeping our communities safe. Each episode explores the lived experiences of those who’ve served, those who support them, and those shaping the future of Canada’s security landscape. From the frontlines to the home front, you’ll hear stories of resilience, leadership and purpose. As the largest private employer of veterans in Nova Scotia and Canada’s only not-for-profit security provider, Commissionaires is committed to providing meaningful employment to Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families and Canadians wishing to contribute to the security and wellbeing of Canadians. Join Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, as he speaks with veterans, security professionals and thought leaders about: -Life after service – veteran transition, support, and new opportunities -Canada’s changing security landscape – challenges and innovations -The civilian role in safety – how communities can contribute and support Leadership and purpose – serving with integrity and protecting what matters Whether you are a veteran, a supporter or simply curious about the people protecting our communities Purpose & Protection offers insight, inspiration and connection.