RCAF Honorary Colonels Biographies
Honorary Colonel Andrew Abbott
Andrew Abbott spent 25 years in the investment business as an institutional equity trader. During his career, he spent time with Merrill Lynch and McNeil Mantha in Toronto, and in Calgary with Peters & Co, Newcrest Capital, and Acumen Capital. In 2002, Andrew helped to create with eight other partners, Tristone Capital, a Calgary-based specialty energy brokerage house. Tristone expanded into the United States, England, and Buenos Aires before being sold in 2009, to Macquarie Bank of Australia. Recently, in 2015, Andrew joined Matco Financial as part of their Independent Review Committee for their series of mutual funds.
A strong supporter of Canada’s military, Andrew is a member of the RCAF Commander’s Advisory Council. Prior to this, Andrew was Honorary Colonel for 1 Air Maintenance Squadron for a six-year term ending in 2014. Through his affiliation with the Royal Canadian Air Force, he attended and graduated in 2010, from the National Security Programme, Class #2, at the Canadian Forces College and is one of the first private citizens to partake the curriculum. While at the NSP class #2, he commenced a master’s degree which he completed following the term and received a Masters of Arts; in Security, Defense Management and Policy. Subsequently, he became a member of board of directors, of the Canadian Forces College Foundation in 2015.
Andrew is a prostate cancer survivor and became a director of the Prostate Cancer Centre in Calgary in 2014. For over twenty years, he has volunteered on the Chuckwagon Committee at the Calgary Stampede. He has been on the board of directors of Hope Air. Additionally, he is FIS Level 3 volunteer for ski racing in Canada and assists with NORAM alpine ski races.
Passionate about aviation, Andrew is a private pilot, with time in gliders, float planes, and taildraggers. He has participated on the Raid Latécoère, tracing the Aéropostale route in West Africa. He is happily married to Carolyne, and they reside in Canmore with their dog Java, but can be found traveling the world.
Andrew is excited and honored, to be named as the Honorary Colonel of 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, at 4 Wing Cold Lake. "Midnight is our Noon." Go Nighthawks!
Honorary Colonel Jean-Daniel Bedard 3 OSS
Originally from Cowansville, M. Jean-Daniel Bédard has been a McDonald's Franchisee since 2003 but was involved in the family business for the last 32 years. He owns five local McDonald's restaurants in the Saguenay region and completed a business management training program at the Chicago Hamburger University. Family is M. Bedard's top priority. He has been married to his wife, Julie, since 1999, and is a very present father to his two children, Eve (15) and Jean-William (20).
In his spare time, he enjoys applying his skills to carpentry, construction and sports in general, hockey in particular. His commitment to hockey started when he was 4 years old and made him reach junior AA level, where he played for the National de La Baie and les Saguenéens de Chicoutimi. To this day, he still plays 3 times a week to stay in shape and maintain a good social life. When he is not playing hockey, he can be found downhill or cross-country skiing, golfing or hiking.
He is very involved with the local community. His involvement includes but is not limited to volunteering during the 1996 Saguenay floods to prepare meals for the victims, sponsoring the Bagotville International Airshow multiple times, raising money (100 000$) for the 500 day golf tournament (helping children in need to attend summer camps), acting as honorary chairman for the Wines, Beer and Spirits in 2009 and 2010, honorary president of ADHIS 2011, and organising halloween activity for multiples sclerosis association in 2015.
With his business, he is involved in the McHappy Day program, and raised approximately 300 000$ for various local and national charities. 100 000$ was also given to the Chicoutimi hospital (fondation de ma vie) for the purchase and maintenance of equipment in the children's department.
His business also sponsors multiple local sports events and teams.
M. Bédard has been and continues to be a pillar of the Saguenay community.
Colonel honoraire Gaston Bédard
Mr. Bédard was appointed as the first Honorary Colonel of the newly formed 2 Expeditionary Readiness Centre, 2 Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagotville, QC in June 2015. This unit is known as 2 Air Expeditionary Training Squadron (2 AETS) since the restructuring of 2 Wing in July 2018.
Honorary Colonel Bédard is the Vice President of Desjardin Credit Union of Quebec while also serving as the Director General/President of the Council for Quebec-based Cooperatives and Mutualities. He was born in Cap-de-la-Madeleine and graduated from the University of Quebec at Trois Rivieres first with a degree in Computer Science followed by a Master’s degree in Economics. Following graduation, Honorary Colonel Bédard served in various positions at a number of Desjardin branch offices before moving to the head office in Quebec City in 2009. Early in his career he also served for three years with the 12th Canadian Armoured Regiment in the Primary Reserves.
Honorary Colonel Bédard serves on several boards and foundations. He is a long-time member of the governance and administrative committees for technology resources and real estate, chairman of the board for the University of Quebec Hospital Centre and administrator for the foundation for the Institute of the Elderly in Montreal. Honorary Colonel Bédard also serves as administrator of funds to promote long term development in Quebec and student scholarships. Since 2012 he has administered the interdisciplinary centre for research and development for cooperative enterprises.
Honorary Colonel Don Boitson
Don Boitson has been involved in the Canadian Aerospace Industry for over 30 years in various Operations, Program Management and Business Development roles.
Most recently he was the Chief Operating Officer for Longview Aviation Capital responsible for the production and aftermarket support of the legacy DeHavilland Canada Dash 1 thru Dash 8 and Canadair CL 215/415 series aircraft.
Prior to joining Longview, Don was employed by Magellan Aerospace for over 30 years. He had progressively more senior roles throughout his career including Vice President and General Manager of Magellan Winnipeg and Vice President of North American Operations. As the VP of North American Ops, Don was responsible for 10 sites and over 2,500 employees.
Mr. Boitson is a Professional Engineer and member of APEGM having graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor’s degree in Science in Engineering (Mechanical). He resides in Winnipeg, MB with his wife Andrea and has three adult children. He enjoys participating in sporting and outdoor activities, cooking and gardening.
Outside of work, Don is active in various community and professional activities. He is currently a Board member of the Winnipeg Airport Authority and the Business Council of Manitoba. Don had been a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Aerospace Association serving as both a member and past president.
Honorary Colonel Laval Boulianne
Mr. Laval Boulianne is a multifaceted businessman who devotes most of his days to advancing the companies he acquired over the past 45 years. Visionary, hardworking and wise manager unafraid of challenges, Mr. Boulianne is an Almatois who has left his mark in the region.
He began his career in the late 60s as the owner of a hairdressing salon, a nightclub and a ladies’ clothing store while employed with Abitibi-Price. In 1976, he became a sales representative and then sales director for the “Lac St-Jean” printing plant.
During that time he also established himself as an influential player in the regional written press. In the 80s, along with his brother Jeannot he became the owner of the two major local newspaper in Lac St-Jean; “L’Étoile du Lac” in Roberval and the “Lac St-Jean” in Alma. He subsequently acquired three other newspapers: “L'Écho de La Tuque”, “La Voix du Sud” and “La Voix de Bellechasse”. His career in publishing ended after two years as the executive vice-president at “La Maison de la Presse” from 1989 to 1991. In 1988, he became co-owner of Nolicam in Chicoutimi, which expended in 2002 with the addition of a division on car rental and in 2006 with the addition of Axcio division (formerly Solutions L.B.) specializing in long-term outsourcing. In 2005, the company acquired the “Entrepôts Sécur”, specializing in the rental of storage space. Proud of his origins, to this day Mr. Boulianne remains the co-owner of the Jacques-Gagnon Complex (major real estate complex), the “Hotel Universel”, the restaurant “Le Pacini” and the Travelodge hotel located in the Place Sacré-Coeur (housing several commercial spaces).
In 2002, Mr. Boulianne made a dream come true with the acquisition of his first car dealership, Saguenay Volkswagen. He subsequently expended this side of the business with the acquisition of Saguenay Mercedes-Benz in 2009 and Alma Volkswagen in 2011. In 2017, after more than three years of hard work, he successfully reached the end of a long-standing project by becoming the co-owner of the Hotel Delta Saguenay. Proud to be able to say that this institution now belongs to regional owners and always on the lookout for new projects, Mr. Laval Boulianne and his partners maintained their momentum by opening a Boston Pizza restaurant inside the hotel. Mr. Laval Boulianne's group is a major employer in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean region with more than 700 full-time employees.
Mr. Boulianne was appointed Honorary Colonel of 3 AMS on May 9, 2019.
Honorary Colonel Mike Bullis
Mr. Bullis has the distinction of being the first 419 “Moose” Squadron Honorary Colonel nominee with direct historical family ties to the squadron’s WWII origins. His father, retired Flying Officer Hubert (Hank) Bullis (24 August 1918 – 25 April 2016) was, at his passing, the oldest surviving WWII Mooseman.
Mr. Bullis was born in Kingston, Ontario in September 1949, and moved to Claresholm, Alberta, when his father (F/O Bullis) was posted there in January 1952 as a Senior Flying Instructor at RCAF No. 3 Flying Training School. Following several military moves within Alberta, F/O Bullis took his release from the RCAF in May 1956 in Edmonton. The family lived there for two more years, and then spent ten years in Dawson Creek, BC, finally settling in Calgary in October 1968, where Mr. Bullis still resides.
Following three years of post-secondary education, Mr. Bullis began working within the electrical and mobile communications industries. Since March 1983, he has worked as the Sales Manager-Western Canada for Carte International Inc., a Winnipeg-based manufacturer of high voltage electrical transformers. He was one of the original participants when the management team created a buyout plan from the owner, a venture capital fund, and took ownership in July 1996. Over the next few years he became the company’s second largest shareholder. Mr. Bullis is also one of five Carte employees who jointly hold Canadian and US patents on a very specialized transformer design.
From 2006-2012, Mr. Bullis and his wife, Diane, were members of the Calgary Health Region (forerunner to Alberta Health Services-Calgary) Patient and Family Safety Council, advocating for improved patient and family involvement with medical professionals in hospital settings, something not previously available. Over the years, the Bullis’ have done presentations to hundreds of medical professionals at all levels across Canada. Their efforts, along with those of their fellow volunteers, brought considerable change to how the medical profession interacts with not only those in their direct care but their families as well.
In 2019, the Bullis Family established the Hubert (Hank) Bullis Awards of Merit, an annual award given to two junior ranking military members at 4 Wing who have been nominated by their chain of command for exemplifying the characteristics of leadership, loyalty, and going beyond the call of duty.
The Bullis’ have two daughters; Katie, an Advanced Care Paramedic, and Claire, a Marketing/Communications Specialist. Both daughters and their families live in the Calgary area, and Mike and Diane enjoy considerable quality time with their three grandchildren.
Honorary Colonel Dominique Chagnon
Born in Montreal to a military family, Mr. Chagnon began his career with the Saint-Lambert Fire Department in 1989 where he served as a part-time firefighter for 20 years.
In 1991, he completed his firefighter training at the Institut de protection contre les incendies du Québec (IPIQ) in Laval. Over the course of his 31 year career, he responded to more than 30,000 emergency calls in support of the citizens of the greater Montreal area.
In 1992-1993, already very involved in his community as a volunteer, he participated in two humanitarian missions; the first in Homestead, Florida following Hurricane Andrew and then again in the American Midwest during the Mississippi Floods while working with the Canadian Red Cross in collaboration with F.E.M.A. (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
In 1994, he began working for the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal as a Field Operations Officer. From 1995 to 1998, he completed numerous courses with the Fire Institute of the United States as well as the Baltimore City Fire Department Training Academy with whom he has collaborated with on the development of new techniques and equipment over the course of the last 20 years. In 1996, he participated in an exchange program with the Fire Department of Strasbourg, France.
In 2002, he harnessed his interest in business and his passion for automobile racing, becoming the director of operations for the Trioomph Super Car Challenge, which develops corporate events in the automobile racing sector, particularly on the Circuit Mont-Tremblant racing circuit. In 2008, he became the President of his own racing team competing in a multitude of series and championships including Nascar, Porsche, and Ferrari amongst others in both Canada and the United States.
It was in 2009 that his relationship with Canadian Forces Base Bagotville began, where he quickly became a valued friend and member of the military community. He is ever present at base ceremonies and social events and was a key partner in the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 editions of the Bagotville International Air Show. Mr. Chagnon provides a unique presence and a moral support that is well appreciated by all members of Bagotville community.
Always eager to help others, Mr Chagnon brings with him, over 33 years of active community involvement and volunteer work. In 2020, his contribution was recognized by the Honourable J. Michel Doyon, Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec and accordingly, he was awarded the Medal of Exceptional Merit.
In 2017, he became a member of the Quebec Veterans Foundation’s board of directors, where he holds the positions of Secretary and Treasurer. In 2020, in a joint venture, the Quebec Veterans Foundation along with the Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation created a program for Quebec’s women veterans.
Since 2009, he has been an active supporter and volunteer for Dreams Take Flight, accompanying children with special needs on unforgettable trips to Walt Disney World.
Since his nomination as Honorary Colonel, Mr. Chagnon has become a board member for the Fondation des Amis de l’Aviation Royale du Canada (FAARC) together raising over $125,000 in funds which have been invested in the well-being of the families of CFB Bagotville, as well as 430 and 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadrons.
Dominique Chagnon and his wife, Nathalie Delisle, have two children.
Honorary Colonel Rob Cunningham
Mr. Rob Cunningham was born in London England. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design and immigrated to Canada in 1995. His career as a computer game entrepreneur in Vancouver spans 23 years, beginning as Co-Founder and Creative Director of Relic Entertainment. Relic gained world-wide attention for developing hit franchises including Homeworld, Dawn of War and Company of Heroes. The company earned many industry awards including Game of the Year and the highest Metacritic score of all time in the genre of Real Time Strategy. The studio was sold in 2004, after growing the company to over 180 staff.
In 2007 Mr. Cunningham established the eatART Foundation, a non-profit collective of artists and engineers dedicated to inspiring and educating artists and the public through creative energy applications. eatART fabricates large, mechanical art projects and participates in events world-wide.
Mr. Cunningham founded Blackbird Interactive in 2010 starting with just four employees working out of his garage. Thanks to the outstanding BBI leadership team, the company now has over 200 talented staff. The studio has five major projects in production spanning multiple genres and platforms, over $85M in contracts and a modern facility designed to inspire company members based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Mr. Cunningham has a passion for vehicles, aviation and anything that moves under power. This passion serves his interest in travel and exploration, and a desire to learn about new cultures and ways around the world. He enjoys road trips, boat adventures, hiking, camping, astronomy, world history and storytelling.
Honorary Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Steven Deschamps, CD, (Retired)
Lieutenant-Colonel Steven Deschamps began his military career as an Air Cadet at 325 Squadron in Cornwall, ON, in 1969. He was awarded the Lord Strathcona Medal of Excellence and attended both the Senior Leaders and Glider Pilot Course. He also attended Outward Bound Mountain and Leadership course in Keremeos, BC, and was awarded the cadet para-rescue wing.
LCol Deschamps joined the Cadet Instructor List in 1974 and had a pivotal role in the overhaul of the Senior Leaders Course in Cold Lake, AB. He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1979 as a pilot and was subsequently posted to 10 Tactical Air Group, 3 CFFTS, and 2 CFFTS. His last regular force posting was at NDHQ Ottawa in 1982 as a Public Affairs Officer. In 1982, the then Lt. Deschamps was honourably, but compulsory, released under a policy that has come to be known as LGBT Purge.
In 1992, seeking to correct the injustices of 1982, LCol Deschamps sought to re-join the Cadet Instructor Cadre after a Federal Court decision was issued declaring the purge policy illegal under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
LCol Deschamps was re-enrolled in the CAF in 1992 as the Training Officer at 103 Thunderbird Squadron at the rank of Lt. Documents from NDHQ indicate he was the first known homosexual to be re-enrolled in the CAF. While at 103 Squadron, he pioneered the creation of the Computerized Aircraft Simulation Centre which has become a model for other Air Cadet Squadrons to provide real pilot simulation.
In 1996, LCol Deschamps became CO 103 Thunderbird Squadron and thereafter held the position of CO at 858 Skookumchuk Squadron and 848 Royal Roads Squadron. He was also the Exchange Officer for the International Air Cadet Exchange to Australia in 1993 and 1998.
In 1999, LCol Deschamps was appointed Staff Officer Information Management of RCSU(P) HQ at CFB Esquimalt. In that role, he was directly responsible for the implementation of information systems for cadets on the West Coast. In the late 90s, he was also a Co-Leader of the Electronic Action Team of the "Way Ahead Process", led by NDHQ.
LCol Deschamps was promoted to his current rank on 1 May 2006 when he was appointed CO of Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre. He was appointed Chairman Regional CIC Branch Advisory Council and assumed duties in the fall 2010.
He retired from the RCAF in 2013. LCol Deschamps is the Founding President of the CIC Branch Association of BC which provides education and social opportunities for serving CIC officers.
Outside of the Cadet program, LCol Deschamps has been Director of Public Affairs for Algonquin College in Ottawa, a spokesman and developer for IBM Canada, and Vice President of OpenText Corporation. He has also worked with BC Systems Corporation, directing the move for the provincial government from mainframes to personal computers in the 80s.
LCol Deschamps was awarded the Canada Pride Citation in 2020 by the Government of Canada "in recognition of his valuable service to Canada and the hardship endured as a result of the historical policies and practices in connection with the LGBT Purge".
He is a pilot, advanced scuba open water diver, and volunteers in various capacities with the Air Cadet movement in BC. LCol Deschamps currently serves as President of the CIC Branch Association of BC and resides in Victoria, British Columbia.
Honorary Colonel Jacques Duchesneau, CM, OOM, CQ, CD
Mr. Duchesneau is the Inspector General of the City of Saint-Jérôme, Honorary Colonel of 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (THS) of the Canadian Armed Forces, a Senior Executive Fellow of the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University, and Vice President of the Comité Mémoire (Polytechnique Montréal), which works to combat violence against women.
Honorary Colonel Duchesneau began his career in 1967, enlisting in the Primary Air Reserve with 438 THS, the same squadron for which he is an honorary colonel today. In 1968, he became a police officer with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM). He continued his career with the SPVM, rising through the ranks until he held the position of Director of Police of the SPVM from 1993 to 1998.
From 2002 to 2018, Mr. Duchesneau was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. He then became Director of the Anti-Collusion Unit for the Department of Transport from 2010 to 2011. Having dabbled in politics throughout his career, he took the leap and became the Member of the National Assembly for Saint-Jérôme from 2012 to 2014.
Throughout more than 50 years of career, the majority of which was in senior management positions, Honorary Colonel Jacques Duchesneau has established a solid expertise in the areas of law enforcement, aviation security and anti-corruption. He has demonstrated strong leadership during several events that have marked the history of Quebec: the December 6, 1989 massacre at the École Polytechnique de Montréal; the Quebec Biker War; and the 1998 ice storm that hit Montreal. He has also served on a dozen boards of directors and was a member of the Governor General's Advisory Committee for Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division).
Mr. Duchesneau is a graduate of the Directors Education Program at McGill University and holds a Master of Public Administration from the École nationale d'administration publique. He also completed a PhD in War Studies at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston.
Mr. Jacques Duchesneau is a Member of the Order of Canada (C.M.), an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (O.O.M.), a Knight of Justice of the Order of St. John (KStJ), a Knight of the National Order of Quebec (C.Q.) and of the National Order of Merit (French Republic 2006) as well as a recipient of the Canadian Armed Forces Decoration (C.D.).
Honorary Colonel Suzanne Farag
Suzanne was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and raised in Montreal where her father, sister, and extended family reside. She is a first generation Canadian whose parents emigrated from Egypt. She is fully bilingual and speaks Arabic.
Suzanne completed her Bachelor of Science, Major Physiology, from McGill University in Montreal. She went on to attend Law School at the University of Ottawa, graduating from the National Program obtaining both her Civil Law (LL.L) and Common Law (LL.B) degrees.
Called to the Bar in 2007, Suzanne is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Her legal career began in private practice where she focused on the areas of Corporate-Commercial Law, Estates Law, and Municipal By-law Enforcement litigation.
Suzanne transitioned to the public sector in 2011 practicing in the areas of Criminal and Family law. As a lawyer with Legal Aid Ontario, Suzanne advocates for marginalized clients from different cultural backgrounds.
Suzanne is actively involved as a Board Member with various community agencies. She has also spearheaded different initiatives relating to child and youth advocacy and the underprivileged in society.
In her free time, Suzanne enjoys spending time with friends and also with her dog who she recently adopted from the local shelter.
Honorary Colonel Darlene Gates
Darlene is the Chief Operating Officer at MEG Energy. Prior to joining MEG in 2021, she served as the President of ExxonMobil Alaska. Darlene brings over 26 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, including leadership roles with Imperial Oil in Cold Lake, Alberta. As COO, Darlene is responsible for all aspects of the production operations of MEG's oil and gas business with the Company's operational areas and direct support technical functions reporting to her. Darlene holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Victoria and is a registered professional engineer in Alberta. She is also an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Canadian Airforce.
Honorary Colonel Helen Halliday
HCol Helen Halliday was appointed as Honorary Colonel of 435 Squadron, in Winnipeg, MB, in December 2017.
Honorary Colonel Halliday was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, completed her school years in Toronto then studied Commerce (Hospitality and Tourism) at University of Guelph.
HCol Halliday is an accomplished business executive who forged a progressive career in four provinces as a hotelier for Delta Hotels & Resorts. Her last position was General Manager for Delta Winnipeg where she not only shepherded it to one of Winnipeg’s premier hotels, she became an integral force in promoting and supporting community initiatives. Her thirty years with Delta enabled her to build extensive experience in revenue generation, brand marketing/operations and human resource management. She has been a passionate community leader with multiple board and advisory committee appointments. She has a proven ability to set clear priorities, delegate and move organizations and boards forward in a strategic and inclusive manner.
HCol Halliday’s most recent role was President & CEO of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. She secured the funding necessary to build a new, state of the art museum that is scheduled to open in 2021.
HCol Halliday was recognized with the prestigious Tourism Winnipeg Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. She and her family reside in Winnipeg.
Honorary Colonel Greg Hamel
Mr. Greg Hamel was nominated for selection as Honorary Colonel of 1 AMS Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake in August 2020.
Greg Hamel was born in Edmonton and raised in Cold Lake, Alberta. Throughout his life he has contributed to his family business, Hamel Meats, which was started by his father, Gus Hamel in 1962. Hamel Meats is Cold Lake's most famous business with a customer base that extends around the World. Greg's entire life has been dedicated to the success of his community and he uses his family business and international following to the benefit of many others including the Canadian Armed Forces.
Throughout his business career, Greg and his family have become vital contributors to the local community. He actively supports local sports teams, schools, organizations, members of 4 Wing Cold Lake, and the broader CAF with his participation, donations, and sponsorship. In the last three years alone, Mr. Hamel has donated over 3,000 packages of beef jerky to Operation Santa Claus, an organization which provides care packages for deployed CAF members around the World. In a similar gesture, his business provided support and contributions to CAF members in Operation LASER who were deployed to Long Term Care Facilities in eastern Canada in 2020. In 2009, Mr. Hamel supplied beef jerky for the shuttle Endeavour’s voyage to space, the consumption of which garnered positive international news coverage and congratulations. Every autumn, for the past 10 years, Mr. Hamel has facilitated and led a major community fundraiser by sponsoring a golf tournament at the Grand Centre Golf and Country Club, an event that is always wellattended and successful.
Mr. Hamel won the regional Business of the Year Award in 2018. Mr. Hamel is keenly aware of the dedication and hard work required to run a successful business; to keep it growing, contemporary, and relevant. He also believes that being aware of his employees’ strengths, challenges, and concerns is vital for success. His people-oriented leadership and respect for the CAF's mission are perfectly aligned with our values and priorities.
Greg and his wife Chiara have 7 children and 8 grandchildren. They have all made their homes in and around the City of Cold Lake.
Honorary Colonel James (Ming Shing) Ho
Mr. James Ho was born in Taipei, Taiwan and came to Canada as a student in 1972. After obtaining his Landed Immigrant status in 1973 Mr. Ho became a Canadian citizen in 1977. Mr. Ho was able to merge his passion for broadcasting and promotion of multiculturalism when Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved his acquisition of an AM radio station in Vancouver. As the owner/operator of Mainstream Broadcasting Corporation, he continues to operate the Vancouver based CHMB AM1320 as a multicultural station. Entering its forty-eighth year, CHMB is Vancouver's oldest ethnic radio station. During 2001, Mr. Ho led an investors group in the successful application to the CRTC for a license to operate Vancouver’s last over-the-air TV station. In 2002, Channel M began operations under the group’s direction until it was later sold, in 2008, to Rogers Media who continues to operate it under the banner of OmniTV Vancouver.
Mr. Ho obtained his Executive MBA from the Richard Ivey Business School of the University of Western Ontario as a member of the Class of 2000. As a long serving businessman in the Vancouver community, he has continued to promote multiculturalism throughout and has since played active roles on the boards of numerous community, government and multicultural committees. In March 2007, he received the “Person of the Year” by the Interfaith Brotherhood Society and in 2012 was awarded Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Key positions of note he has held throughout the years include Director of Vancouver Aquarium; Trustee Foundation of Simon Fraser University; Campaign Cabinet Member and Director of United Way; Member of Advisory Council- Multiculturalism to BC Multicultural Minister (95-97); Member of Premier Clark's Chinese Advisory Board; Member of Diversity Advisory Committee to the Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department and Member and the RCMP Commissioner’s Advisory Committee on Visible Minorities, Ottawa.
At present Mr. Ho remains as Trustee of the National Arts Centre Foundation, Ottawa and Member of the Advisory Council on Diversity to the Commander: Joint Task Force – Pacific.
Mr. Ho is happily married to Emily, his lovely wife of thirty nine years. They have three sons together and have recently become doting grandparents for the first time.
Honorary Colonel Lianne D. Ing
Lianne Ing is Vice President of Bubble Technology Industries (BTI). Founded in 1988 and located in Chalk River, Ontario, BTI is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated small business with world-renowned expertise in the field of radiation and explosives detection. With a multi-disciplinary staff of ~50 people, the company provides products, services, and contract R&D for over 400 customers in 25 countries, with key clients including the US Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Energy, the Canadian Department of National Defence, the Canadian Space Agency, multiple law enforcement agencies, and a wide range of other Canadian and NATO-country agencies. The company’s innovative technologies have flown on over two dozen space missions and have been used to secure high-profile events, including US Presidential inaugurations, visits by the Pope, global political summits, multiple Super Bowls, NASCAR events, the World Series, and the Olympics.
As Vice President, Ms. Ing is responsible for the company’s strategic development and business operations. This role includes strategic planning and implementation, business development, financial and contract management, and oversight of the company’s activities in research, engineering, manufacturing, and services. Since joining the company in 2003, she has served as Manager of Business Development, Vice President of Business Development, and now Vice President of the company. She has successfully led the company’s penetration into international defence and security markets through both contract R&D and product sales channels. In addition, she has developed and negotiated partnering agreements with multiple Fortune 500 companies and has created collaborative technology development teams with stakeholders from government, industry and academia.
Ms. Ing serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of the Chamber’s Small & Medium Enterprise Committee. She also served as a Canadian industry representative on both the Trade & Investment Taskforce and the Small & Medium Enterprise Cross-Thematic Taskforce for the 2017 B20 Summit, providing industry-driven policy perspectives to the 2017 G20 Summit held in Germany. She is also currently serving on the Public Services and Procurement Canada Supplier Advisory Subcommittee on Supplier Relationship and Performance Management, providing inputs to the Government of Canada on innovative ways to manage and engage with its supply base.
Ms. Ing has been an invited speaker and panelist at various events for professional associations, government programs and committees, and charitable organizations, including the Canadian Nuclear Association, Professional Engineers of Ontario, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Speaker Series, Build in Canada Innovation Program Forum, Eastern Ontario Development Program Forum, and Destination Imagination (promoting creative thinking for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Honorary Colonel Julie Ann Lange
Honorary Colonel Julie Ann Lange, is the Branch manager of ScotiaMcLeod in Belleville, ON.
Honorary Colonel Lange was born in Montreal, QC and graduated from Ryerson University with a degree in Journalism. Prior to joining ScotiaMcLeod in 1998 she was Vice-President with RBC Dominion Securities. She is a member of ScotiaMcLeod Chairman's Council, a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and Director and Branch Manager. She is a Certified Investment Manager, and a Portfolio Manager.
Honorary Colonel Lange is an active volunteer with the Quinte Regional Children's Foundation and is the founder of their "Helping Hands" program to provide support to parents of high-risk children. She received the prestigious Guardian Angel award from the Foundation. She is an active supporter of United Way, the Christmas Sharing program and the Canadian Cancer Society. Honorary Colonel Lange also serves as Chair of the Quinte Regional Hospice and advisor to the local Alzheimers Society.
Honorary Colonel Lange was the HCol to 436 (T) Squadron during 2015 to 2019. She is a proud supporter of Canada's military as the daughter of a Second World War veteran and grand-daughter of a Great War veteran.
Honorary Colonel Lange and her family reside on a farm in Quinte West.
Honorary Colonel Kristin Long
Kristin Long was born in Pointe-Claire, QC and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Geography from the University of British Columbia. She began her aviation career in 1994 as a Flight Attendant at Air Canada while attending UBC. She went on to pursue her pilot licence and an Aviation diploma from the University of the Fraser Valley. Following graduation from flight college, Kristin moved to Winnipeg to fly for Perimeter Airlines (now Perimeter Aviation). She logged over 4,000 flight hours on the Metroliner flying to northern communities across Manitoba before being hired by WestJet Airlines in 2004. Kristin is currently a Captain on the Boeing 737 based out of Calgary.
Kristin is the founding president of Northern Spirit, the Winnipeg Chapter of Women in Aviation, International and Committee Chair of Girls in Aviation Day – Winnipeg. She actively mentors and encourages girls and women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. Kristin is also the Chair of Women of Winnipeg, an organization that provides opportunities for women in Winnipeg identified as leaders in the community.
Kristin is an active supporter of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and volunteers for various organizations and boards.
Kristin lives in Stonewall, MB, with her husband and two children.
Honorary Colonel Lorraine O'Quinn
Mrs. Lorraine O’Quinn was appointed as Honorary Colonel of 8 Air Communication and Control Squadron (8 ACCS) of Canadian Forces Base Trenton, ON in January 2020.
Originally from Corner Brook NL, HCol O’Quinn is a highly respected business professional in the local community. Operating a very successful Real Estate team within Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, her team has ranked within the top 1% of all Royal LePage across Canada since 2009. HCol O’Quinn is also very well known as a community leader, extremely dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a variety of local charities.
Since 2007, HCol O’Quinn has been committed to giving back to the community. She was a wish granter for Make-a-Wish Foundation of Eastern Ontario, providing hope, strength and joy to some very deserving children. She has initiated and coordinated multiple fund raising events for Three Oaks Shelter Foundation supporting abused women and their children, and has also participated in three separate 100+km hikes with Charity Challenge Canada in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.
HCol O’Quinn also organized an event and raised much needed funds to support the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation.
HCol O’Quinn was a military spouse for 25 years when her husband retired from the Canadian Forces, and her son has also served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Through her family ties with the military, HCol O’Quinn is quite familiar with military life. She is well aware of the importance of a strong bond between members of the CAF and their civilian communities.
Honorary Colonel Mélanie Paul
Mélanie Paul has been with the Mashteuiatsh family business for 19 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Laval University and made the leap into entrepreneurship by joining the family business in 2002. After taking several management courses at the University of Québec in Chicoutimi (UQUAC), she enrolled at the Beauce School of Entrepreneurship in 2013. Mélanie Paul was the first indigenous entrepreneur to graduate there in 2015.
Mme Paul is extremely involved and has acted in various capacities in recent years. In 2006, she was appointed as commissioner by the Council of Piekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan in order to analyze the various social issues and to propose a comprehensive community intervention plan including strategies and priorities relating to social distress and particularly on the issue of suicide.
From 2005 to 2008, she acted as vice-president of the Ilnu Economic Development Corporation, and from 2008 to 2013, she was co-president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Roberval, QC. In 2015, Mélanie Paul also accepted to be an ambassador for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region as part of the Prosperity Quebec campaign of the Quebec Employer’s Council.
Mme Paul was appointed president of the Indigenous Roundtable by the Couillard government following the regional economic summit in 2015. In collaboration with several regional economic players, she worked on the development of a guide to good practices for the establishment of partnerships for sustainable business between communities and the regional environment.
In May 2018, she won the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Conseil du Patronat du Québec.
In November 2020, she was recognized as a businesswoman who is changing the world according to the UN's sustainable development goals, by Femmessor, which retained 100 women in Quebec.
Proud mother of three children, Guillaume 26 years old, Aurélie 20 years old and Mélina 15 years old, she aspires to transmit to them the values which have guided the First Nations for millennia, solidarity, mutual aid, sharing, self-respect, others and nature.
There is a common thread running through all of her involvement, which is to change people's perceptions. When she gets involved, Mélanie Paul does not hesitate to say that she is Indigenous, to show that the First Nations are there, that its members can succeed in business and work in partnership with non-Indigenous people, because being an Aboriginal person is not a constraint, it is an IDENTITY.
Honorary Colonel David Proudfoot
Honorary Colonel David Proudfoot was born and grew up in Kentville, Nova Scotia, the youngest of four children. He was born and raised by his dedicated parents, a WW II Veteran {Volunteer 1943} and accomplished academic and Research Scientist Frederick Proudfoot, and a Registered Nurse Phyllis Proudfoot (nee Conrad). Honorary Colonel Proudfoot engaged in community sports and academic achievement, which was nurtured by a home environment that encouraged independent and critical thought, debate, hard work and resolve.
Honorary Colonel Proudfoot graduated from the Acadia University Fred C. Manning School of Business (1977) (Dean's List Scholar) and Dalhousie University Law School (1980), and worked with the RCMP before articles and entering the work world. Honorary Colonel Proudfoot served as a Canadian University Students Overseas (CUSO) Cooperant with the Government of Botswana under the auspices and direction of US Aid, followed by a year as political assistant (Atlantic Canada) to the federal Minister of Industry and the federal Minister of Regional Economic Expansion.
In 1986 Honorary Colonel Proudfoot entered the practice of law with McGrath Alexander McKenzie in Windsor NS with regular and numerous appearances in Family Court, Provincial Court and Supreme Court, marshalling and protecting clients' interests and rights in family law, criminal law and litigation matters. In 1991, Honorary Colonel Proudfoot was made partner at which time the firm acquired the Greenwood law office that Honorary Colonel Proudfoot operated from 1991 through January 2021, logging over 15,000 files; he sold his law practice to the firm Nathanson Seaman Watts.
From 2019 through 2022, Honorary Colonel Proudfoot served as Custodian of the Parker Richter law firm at the request of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society, and to date continues to liaise with Nathanson Seaman Watts in the management of specific legal issues as they arise.
Honorary Colonel Proudfoot has been married to Social Worker Susan Proudfoot for the past 35 years, and they are the parents of two daughters now working in the business and health care fields. Honorary Colonel Proudfoot takes pride in friendships he has maintained since boyhood, through law school and the workplace.
Honorary Colonel Robert Quartermain
Honorary Colonel Robert Quartermain, Professional Geoscientist with degrees from UNB and Queen's, was appointed as Honorary Colonel of 19 Wing Comox, BC in July 2019.
HCol Bob Quartermain was born in St. Stephen, N.B. As a mining entrepreneur he has worked in most provinces of Canada and 18 countries globally, over his 43 year resource career.
As President of Silver Standard, the company grew from two employees and a value of $1.8 Million in 1985, to over 1,000 employees and a market value exceeding $2 Billion. In 2010, HCol Quartermain started Pretivm Resources, and with an exceptional management team, Pretivm developed and now operates Canada’s newest high grade and profitable Brucejack Gold Mine, located 65 kilometres north of Stewart BC. The mine employees 1,000 personnel with approximately 30% of its labour force from regional First Nations communities and is a significant contributor to the economy of Northern BC.
His passion for the RCAF started in 1970 at 527 Simonds Squadron in Saint John, NB. He obtained a cadet pilots license in 1973. His vocation as an exploration geologist has allowed him to blend his passion for camping and adventure, with flying to remote areas of the globe in search of minerals.
He enjoys skiing, sailing, scuba diving and hiking in addition to gardening on Keats Island. He recently co-chaired UNB's successful It Begin's Here campaign raising $125 Million; he is Founding Director of the ARC Foundation focussed on social justice issues, a director of Panthera preserving large cat habitant globally, a director of Geoscience BC, a contributor to the new Vimy Ridge visitor centre and created the Quartermain Earth Science Centre at UNB in Fredericton.
HCol Quartermain was recognized as Mining Person of the year for 2017 by MABC, received the CIM Vale Inco medal for leadership in the mining industry, the Murray Pezim Award for Perseverance in Mining Finance from AMEBC and holds an Honorary Doctorate degree from UNB.
Members of his family have served in the RCAF and are currently serving in the CAF. Honorary Colonel Quartermain is honoured by the appointment and privilege of serving as Honorary Colonel for 19 Wing.
Honorary Colonel Greg M. Radu
Dr. Radu is associate dean and professor of psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University and a practicing psychiatrist at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. He is the immediate past president of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Dr. Radu was born and raised in Romania and came to Canada more than twenty years ago after earning his Medical Doctorate at Carol Davila University in Bucharest. He has been living in St. John’s and became a Canadian Citizen in 2006. While completing his five-year Specialty Training in Psychiatry at Memorial, he earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and completed advanced training and certifications in Mind-Body Medicine and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Albert Ellis Institute in New York City and the Beck Institute in Philadelphia. He received Certification in Psychiatry and Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in 2009 and started as an academic psychiatrist at Memorial University the same year. He pursued further subspecialty training and completed fellowships in Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at New York University and the Boston Psychoanalytic Institute.
In 2010, he both founded and became director of the psychotherapy training program in the Faculty of Medicine, a position he held for eight years. In that role, he developed a comprehensive clinical training program in twelve forms of psychotherapy for resident physicians specializing in psychiatry at Memorial. The program received national recognition and Dr. Radu was elected by his peers as chair of the Canadian Psychiatric Association’ Section of Psychotherapy in 2011. He achieved tenure and promotion to associate professor at Memorial in 2015. In 2018, he was appointed assistant dean of Student Affairs for Medical Doctoral learners. In that capacity, he led the restructuring of existing programs and services in the areas of wellness, mentorship, career advising, scholarships, awards and learning environment, and expanded operations to resident physicians training in all specialties offered at Memorial. He inaugurated the new office of Learner Wellbeing and Success in 2020 while being the lead of the COVID-19 Well-Being Task Force in the Faculty of Medicine that supported safety and wellbeing of all learners, faculty and staff. He was promoted to associate dean of medical Learner Wellbeing and Success at Memorial in 2020 and was appointed chair of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada’s Committee on Student Affairs in 2021. He was promoted to full professor of Psychiatry in 2022.
Dr. Radu started as provincial psychiatric consultant with the Ministry of Health in 2017 and served as chair of the provincial psychiatry services advisory committee for three years. He received the Public Service Award of Excellence from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as member of the Towards Recovery Team, for the implementation of the provincial mental health and addictions action plan Towards Recovery. He is also the recipient of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Provincial Mental Health Leadership Award and the Pottle Award. Dr. Radu has been a Senior Medical Advisor with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador since 2021.
Dr. Radu has held visiting professorships in the United Kingdom, Finland, Lithuania and New Zealand and served as chair of the European Psychiatric Association’s Section of Psychotherapy for two consecutive terms until 2022. He has delivered presentations, well-being workshops and health professions’ leadership courses in more than 20 countries. He has been a regular faculty for the Essential Skills in Educational Leadership and Management (ESMELead) course offered by the Association of Medical Education in Europe and for the Centre for Medical Education/APMEC, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Honorary Colonel Judy Rafuse
Judy Rafuse is a life-long resident of Annapolis Valley having grown up on a beef farm in Prospect, Kings County.
Upon graduation from Central Kings Rural High School, she entered the workforce and continued to improve her education through evening classes. Judy worked for many years a Speedy Propane (Irving propane) as an administrative assistant and then as Office Manager. After that she spent 17 ½ years in Radio with Annapolis Valley Radio in a number of roles throughout the years.
Judy was hired as the Executive Director of Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce in November 2005 and has helped the chamber grow to now include the area Hantsport to Eastern Annapolis County and changing the name to Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce. AVCC currently has over 400 members and their employees.
Judy has been recognized throughout her career on numerous occasions receiving awards such as a Public Speaking Award as well as being the Employee of the Year with the AVR.
Judy still lives in Prospect, next door to where she grew up with her husband Kevin. They have two grown children and four grandsons.
Honorary Colonel Michael Ravenhill
With over 35 years of management experience in the tourism, hospitality, real estate development and the entertainment industry, Michael has extensive experience training some of North America’s finest tourism and hospitality properties. In his early years, his business QSR Concepts set the service standards for Tourism British Columbia in all the visitor information centers across the province. Training and evaluating 118 visitor info centers and staff resulted in tourism BC’s program being recognized as one of the leading and most respected visitor info center networks in the world.
Michael’s passion for people and his ability to see opportunities where others will see difficulties has resulted in him being highly respected as a transformational leader and change agent. His knowledge of the multiple industries and his willingness to share his insights with others keeps him in great demand. In 2005, Michael was contracted as the Vice President of Customer Service for the world's largest sustainable development, Loreto Bay. This was an 8,000 acre, 6,000 home master-plan development in the Baja of California with 5 miles of ocean front, hotels and restaurants. Michael implemented general company wide systems, policies and procedures, customer service standards and an international supply chain. After one year, Michael was promoted to President of Village Homes Division. Responsible for all aspects of the development from construction schedules, staffing, master planning, architectural and design, financials, timelines, customer service, sales and marketing.
Michael is also a firm believer in developing young entrepreneurs and new business ideas, expanding and restructuring existing businesses with a strong emphasis on, ROI, strategic planning, customer service, sales and marketing. His continual thirst for helping young business entrepreneurs with their new ideas has seen him increasingly become the principle investor in a wide variety of new business startups. In addition to business acumen, Michael is known for his commitment to giving back to a wide variety of charitable organizations both locally, nationally, and internationally (Canadian Cancer Society, Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, Young Life, David Foster Foundation, etc).
He started as a volunteer for the David Foster Foundation in the late 80’s and shortly thereafter became a director of the board and then President, at which time he took the foundation from a provincial charity to a national foundation assisting families of children needing major organ transplants throughout Canada. In January 2009 Michael was appointed CEO. Since then, he has re structured the entire foundation operations’ and procedures, opened a second foundation office in Toronto, expanded the staff and board of directors to include prominent Canadians from across Canada. He has developed an endowment fund and initiated the life legacy program to ensure the foundation is sustainable for decades to come. Michael developed and implemented the “Sponsor a Family Campaign” which has become the largest single fundraising initiative for the foundation in 32 years, raising over 20 million dollars in the past 3 years.
Michael is a proud supporter of Canada’s military as a son of a World War II Royal Air Force veteran. He has been married to Cassandra for 28 years,a father to 2 daughters and a proud grandfather. The Ravenhill's divide their time between their hometown of Victoria, BC and Phoenix, Arizona.
Honorary Colonel Tammy Dee Roberts
Tammy Dee Roberts, originally from Northern Manitoba, has called the Northwest Territories (NWT) home since 1993. Choosing to be a stay-at-home mom led her to become a committed professional parent, providing emergency and long term care to over 250 NWT foster children and youth with mild to extreme learning and behavioral disabilities. Today, she continues to provide long-term care to individuals that have been prenatally exposed to drugs and alcohol as a foster and adoptive parent. Tammy cultivated her parenting skills through training and life experiences, which has enabled her to deliver Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder training locally, territorially and nationally.
She has been and continues to be a support to many children and families across the north and because of this, was recognized with the Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for her contribution to the community. More recently, she was a finalist of the National Lynn Factor Stand Up For Kids Award in 2019 that is presented annually by the Children's Aid Foundation of Canada. Tammy has been the Executive Director of the Foster Family Coalition of the Northwest Territories since 2009 and works tirelessly to provide support and programs to benefit children and their families across the territory. She prides herself on creating a strong team so her employees feel valued. Tammy recently took on the role of Executive Director of another non-profit organization, The SideDoor Ministry, which aims to end homelessness for youth in the city of Yellowknife. She attributes her strength, independence and flexibility from being a spouse of a serving CAF member. A true northerner who sets an example by doing.
Honorary Colonel Sonia Simard
A native of Roberval in Lac St Jean, Ms. Simard is the descendant of a family involved in business in her community since the founding of the region. She is also of Innu descent on her maternal side. After completing her high school studies at the high school in her community with flying colors, Ms. Simard continued her studies in Montreal at the Collège de Rosemont in hearing aids. She graduated in 1989 and is registered with the Ordre des audioprothésistes du Québec. In addition, she completed training at the Collège du Vieux Montréal in Quebec Sign Language (LSQ). Ms. Simard worked in a clinic for 4 years in the region and joined her colleague Mr. Serge Landry joined the Groupe Forget banner with his partner. Associate owners since 1992, they employ more than 65 people in nine offices in Saguenay Lac St-Jean, namely Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi Nord, La Baie, Jonquière, Roberval, St-Félicien, Normandin, Dolbeau, Chibougamau.
For more than 20 years, Ms. Simard was the treasurer of AQEPA Saguenay, an NPO that ensures the integration of hearing-impaired children. She organized various activities for children and meetings and conferences for parents. Also her company encourages in various ways events such as the Traversée du Lac St-Jean à la nage, the Dragons de Jonquière race, the Village sur Glace de Roberval and various festivals in Saguenay Lac St-Jean. Groupe Forget has also been very involved with the seniors (FADOQ) of Saguenay Lac St-Jean for more than 30 years, whether in various sponsorships or for Les Jeux et Salon des Aînés. She still holds the position of v-p at Groupe Forget Audioprothésistes and also takes care of the treasury and general administration aspects while continuing to do private practice.
Spouse of Donald Gagnon for 31 years, she is the mother of three children: Sophie, 27, a graduate in human sciences at Champlain College in Lennoxville, a graduate of Concordia University in primary preschool education who played women's hockey on the university team of the Concordia Stingers. She also participated in the 2017 jeux des Sourds et Malentendants in addition to returning with the gold medal; Kim, 25, a graduate in natural science from Champlain College in Lennoxville, a graduate of the University of Sherbrooke also in accounting and now CPA and Patrick, 21, a carpenter who returned to studies in architectural technology following a major accident in 2019.
Ms. Simard loves reading, outdoor walks, camping and family get-togethers.
Honorary Colonel Fred Sutherland
Lieutenant-General Sutherland attended le Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean and subsequently graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political Science and Economics. While at RMC, he received several academic and athletic awards; in addition, he captained the varsity hockey and football teams.
In 1966, LGen Sutherland completed his pilot training. He served as an Advanced Jet Instructor on the T-33 Silver Star until 1969 and then was posted to Central Flying School as an examining officer. In 1973, he completed an MBA from the University of Western Ontario and was promoted to major. Between 1973 and 1975, LGen Sutherland served as a staff officer with the Directorate of Air Requirements at National Defence Headquarters. In 1975 he completed operational training on the CF-104 Starfighter at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. In 1976, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and posted overseas to attend the Royal Air Force Air Warfare Course. That same year he was appointed Commanding Officer of 439 (Tiger) Squadron at CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany. Returning to Canada in 1978, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Commander of Air Command.
In 1980, he was promoted to colonel and posted to NDHQ as the Director of Air Operations, Training, and Nuclear Weapons. During this tour, he also served as the Honorary Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor-General. He assumed command of CFB Cold Lake in July 1982, where he oversaw the implementation of the CF-18 Hornet. In 1984, he was promoted to brigadier-general and seconded to the Privy Council Office in the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat. LGen Sutherland was promoted to major-general in July 1986 and assumed the appointment of Chief of Personnel Development at NDHQ. In July 1989, he was promoted to lieutenant-general and assumed command of Canada’s Air Force.
In August 1991, he was appointed and served as the Vice-Chief of Defence Staff until his retirement from the Canadian Forces. Upon leaving the Canadian Forces, LGen Sutherland was employed as the Deputy Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism for the Province of Manitoba. Prior to assuming his current appointment as a Senior Mentor at the Canadian Forces College, he spent two years as Corporate Vice-President Human Resources with McCain Foods Ltd. In July 1984, he was appointed to the Order of Military Merit in the grade of Officer and promoted to the grade of Commander in January 1989.
He was appointed as Honorary Colonel of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron – The Snowbirds in 1993 and served in that appointment until 2010. In 2009, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Military Science by the Royal Military College of Canada and presented with the Meritorious Service Medallion by the Chief of the Defence Staff. In 2014, he was appointed as Honorary Colonel of 4 Wing Cold Lake. That same year, he was appointed as Chairman of the Royal Military College of Canada Board of Governors. In June 2016, he was awarded the fourth clasp to his Canadian Forces Decoration, in recognition of having completed 52 years of uniformed service.
Appointed as Honorary Colonel of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron again in 2018 he will continue serving in that role until the RCAF's 100th celebration.
Honorary Colonel Isabelle Thibeault
Mme Isabelle Thibeault is originally from La Baie and obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Université de Montréal in 1997. While nearing completion of her certificate as a specialized primary health care practitioner at the University of Ottawa, she decided to pursue her graduate studies in Quebec. She has been actively involved in the development of advanced nursing practice in Quebec and was one of the ounding members of the Association des Infirmières Praticiennes Spécialisées du Québec (AIPSQ) in 2005. In 2006, she completed a master’s degree in nursing and a specialized graduate diploma at Université Laval, graduating with the first cohort of specialized nurse practitioners (SNPs) in Quebec and becoming the first in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. She was listed on the honour roll for her exceptional contribution to the development of the nursing profession.
During her 23 years as a nurse, Mme Thibeault worked for a little over three years in a small, remote Indigenous community for the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, where she was also involved at the board of director level. She is currently an SNP in adult care for the medical microbiology and infectious diseases department at the CIUSSS of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and the Chicoutimi Hospital, and she is regional coordinator for the integrated network of patients with hepatitis C and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Saguenay–Lac- Saint-Jean.
While performing her professional nursing activities, Mme Thibeault has been a professor in the Faculty of Medicine of the Université de Sherbrooke since 2011. There, she teaches ethics for the doctor of medicine degree in the medical training program in Saguenay.
Mme Thibeault is very involved in her community and has been part of the medical team for the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie since 2014 as well as for the Club de Boxe de Chicoutimi, the boxing club where she trains. She was the executive director of the Course des Dieux in 2019. For six years, Mme Thibeault was involved in organizing that major obstacle course in the Saguenay region where close to 1,000 runners pushed themselves to the limit every year and all proceeds were donated to the Chicoutimi Hospital’s Fondation de ma vie. Her two daughters, Claudia and Marilyn, play basketball. Mme Thibeault is also involved as a member of the board of directors of the Chicoutimi basketball club.
Mme Thibeault was the recipient in April 2018 of the “Une femme d’exception” award, which is presented during the Salon de la femme du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean to a woman from the region who distinguishes herself through her commitment, leadership, creativity and determination, who is passionate and action-oriented, and who inspires and positively influences her personal and professional environment.
Sports are a major part of Mme Thibeault’s life, and she is actively involved in hockey, softball and boxing. She currently resides in Chicoutimi.
Honorary Colonel Wendy Vrooman
Honorary Colonel Wendy Vrooman holds a BSc in Biology with Distinction from Mount Saint Vincent University and is joined by her mother and two nieces as alumni. She feels fortunate to have paired her love for science and passion for business early in her career.
She spent 8 years with Precision BioLogic holding positions in Sales and Sales Management where she focused on actively listening to customers to improve their experiences with the company and to provide meaningful feedback into product development. Creating cross-functional strategies to drive the business forward and negotiating large, complex contracts are a few of the achievements of which she is most proud.
Wendy was initiated into the world of retail sales with Ascenta where she spent 4 years developing new lines and channels of business. Researching, creating the appropriate contacts, and developing them into meaningful partnerships allowed her to drive profitable new lines of business for Ascenta.
She then went on to join the team at Sandler Training Maritimes, where she soon became a partner. Having been trained earlier in her career in Sandler’s Customer Service, Sales Mastery and Strategic Management programs, she enjoyed sharing her experiences and training her clients in these skill sets. It was while she was at Sandler that she discovered the start-up community and her love for entrepreneurialism was ignited, and she became determined to make a bigger impact on developing companies and the region.
To further this mission, she launched her own company, Arc Ignites Sales Inc. Through Arc she works closely with a handful of clients at a time to help them develop and execute their sales strategies. She also continues to explore her love for training through engagements with University of New Brunswick’s Master of Technology Management and Entrepreneurship, the Wallace McCain Institute, Energia Ventures, Lab 2 Market, and the Centre for Women in Business, to name a few. She proudly serves on the board of Alderney Landing and acts as liaison to the Craig Gallery, and serves on the advisory boards and as a mentor to several early-stage companies.
Honorary Colonel Vrooman is grateful to share life with her two children, Connor and Nina, a wonderful partner Andre and his two children, Alexandra and Justin. Rounding out the family is the beloved family dog, Jackson. She loves being outside in nature hiking local trails or on her bike and finds peace and spiritual growth through her 20+ years of practicing yoga.
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