MRC NR 12.009 - June 22, 2012
OTTAWA, ON – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced today the appointment of Ms. Arlene Dickinson as the newest Honorary Captain (Navy), affiliated with the office of the Director General Maritime Strategic Management, in Ottawa.
“It is an honour to have Arlene Dickinson, a distinguished Canadian and a leader in the communications and entrepreneurial community, join our military family,” said Minister MacKay. “I have every confidence that, as a passionate supporter of our Canadian Forces, a dedicated member of her community and a true patriot, Honorary Captain (Navy) Dickinson will be an outstanding ambassador for our sailors over the years to come.”
Arlene Dickinson is the owner and CEO of Venture Communications, one of Canada’s largest independent marketing firms, a venture capitalist on the CBC television series Dragons’ Den and a co-star on CBC’s The Big Decision. Her success has been recognized many times, including multiple ‘Top 100’ awards by Profit magazine and as one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women.
“I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to be involved and engaged with our Royal Canadian Navy. The men and women who serve our country are inspirations to me and I hope I can, in any way, use this honour to help elevate the good work they do on all of our behalf,” said Ms. Dickinson.
“I couldn't be happier to have Arlene become an Honorary Captain,” said Vice-Admiral Paul Maddison, Commander Royal Canadian Navy. “I believe she will represent our men and women well as an ambassador to the Canadian people.”
Honorary Naval Captains act as a bridge between military and civilian communities, who represent diverse areas of Canadian society from politics and business to journalism and the arts. They bring with them unique skills and connections that help to strengthen the navy’s ties to Canadian communities and to promote a better understanding of maritime defence issues.
Honorary Naval Captains are quite visible, attending significant naval, Canadian Forces and public events and ceremonies in uniform across the country. The Minister of National Defence, on the recommendations from the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy is the approving authority for all appointments. These appointments are generally for a period of three years, although extensions may be granted.
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Note to the Editor / News Director: For more information on the Royal Canadian Navy, please visit our website at: www.navy.forces.gc.ca
