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Purpose & Protection

Purpose & Protection

Written by: Commissionaires Nova Scotia
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 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.Commissionaires Nova Scotia Careers Economics Personal Success Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Changemaker, Jacques van Eck

    Changemaker, Jacques van Eck
    Jan 28 2026

    Jacques van Eck, former Training Manager and current Director of Training & Corporate Security for Commissionaires Nova Scotia joins CEO and host, Barry Pitcher, in this bonus episode. Drawing from experience in high-risk environments, Jacques shares how he has reframed his expertise adapting to new contexts: bringing deep insight, resilience, and purpose to his current work. He demonstrates how skills forged in challenging circumstances can be redirected to make a meaningful difference in new landscapes.

    This bonus series is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the individuals who take action to drive positive change in their community, organization, and beyond. Changemakers identify problems, develop innovative solutions, and inspire others to take part in meaningful transformation. These episodes are shorter interviews with leaders in our community.

    Links & Resources:

    • Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast
    • South African Police: https://www.saps.gov.za/
    • Commissionaires Training Department: https://commissionaires.ca/en/services/training/
    • Use of Force Training: https://commissionaires.ca/en/courses/use-of-force/

    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/careers


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    9 mins
  • Breaking Barriers: A conversation with HCol Doug Ruck, KC

    Breaking Barriers: A conversation with HCol Doug Ruck, KC
    Jan 8 2026

    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 rights
    • Equity, diversity and inclusion
    • Doug’s career in law
    • No. 2 Construction Battalion
    • Representation 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-iii
    • Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society, The Ruck Report: https://nsbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/REGAINING-TRUST-The-Ruck-Report-Oct-29-2024-2.pdf
    • No. 2 Construction Battalion: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/no-2-construction-battalion
    • The 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


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    43 mins
  • Civilian Service & Defence Leadership with HCol Corinne MacLellan

    Civilian Service & Defence Leadership with HCol Corinne MacLellan
    Dec 10 2025
    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 securityLinks & 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.pdfSubscribe to Purpose & Protection for more conversations on service, security, and leadership.Presented by Commissionaires Nova ScotiaProduced by PodstarterBecome a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca
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    38 mins
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