Purpose & Protection

In this bonus episode of Purpose & Protection, host and CEO Barry Pitcher welcomes Rebecca Landry, the first female Chief Operating Officer of Commissionaires Nova Scotia. Originally from Sweden, Rebecca began her career with a mission to serve in security and defence. Today, she’s a passionate leader who champions mentorship—especially for women navigating a traditionally male-dominated i...

Host Barry Pitcher welcomes HCapt(N) Elder Debbie Eisan for a conversation about service, identity and the enduring power of community. She shares her Indigenous heritage, her experience as a woman serving over 36 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, and the resilience that shaped her leadership.  An Ojibway Anishinabe kwe from Batchewana First Nation, she shares her ongoing commitment to community...

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 h...

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 lega...

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 rela...

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...

Introducing our bonus episode series: Changemakers. This series is dedicated to highlighting the individuals who take action to drive positive change in their communities, organizations, and beyond. Changemakers identify problems, develop innovative solutions, and inspire others to take part in meaningful transformation. These episodes will be shorter interviews with leaders in our community. Just...

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 Canadia...

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) a...

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.