News Release

Six Canadians meet Her Majesty The Queen to Celebrate Commissionaires’ 150th Anniversary

Delegation of Canadian Commissionaires proud to honour organization’s history

July 7, 2009, Toronto, ON – Six Canadian commissionaires from across the country met Her Majesty, The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as part of celebrating the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Corps of Commissionaires in England in 1859.  The Canadian delegation joined other Commissionaires’ organizations from as far away as Papua New Guinea and Australia.  True to its founding purpose, Commissionaires’ mission is to provide meaningful employment to veterans.

All six of the Canadian Commissionaires presented to Her Majesty is a decorated veteran of the Canadian Forces with exemplary service records.  They are:

  • John Lorne McIntosh of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia;
  • Raymond Bernier of Montréal, Québec;
  • Wayne Doucette of Ottawa, Ontario;
  • Scott Harris of Toronto, Ontario;
  • Wesley Kopp of Regina, Saskatchewan;
  • George Vondrasek of Victoria, British Columbia.

“Commissionaires Canada was thrilled to participate in this special 150th anniversary celebration at St. James Palace,” noted Paul Guindon, Chairman of Commissionaires.  “It is a moving reminder of our unique history and our continuing commitment to support our veterans after they have served their country.”

Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh inspected a specially selected group of Commissionaires who formed a 48 strong Guard of Honour at the event, then they moved on to greet guests and staff in attendance. Over half of those invited to the anniversary celebrations were employees serving within the company today.

The Guard of Honour were all uniformed officers representing the Corps Security offices in the UK and Asia Pacific. They were joined by their colleagues from Canada and Australia at this prestigious event. Also in attendance with Paul Guindon from Commissionaires Canada were William Bawden, Chair of the National Board; Jacques Grenier, Training Manager; and Audrey Ple, Marketing Manager .

“I was thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the six Canadian Commissionaires to participate in this special Royal ceremony,” said Scott Harris.  “Meeting the Queen is a measure of respect for Commissionaires as an organization.”

Her Majesty is the Chief Life Governor of The Corps of Commissionaires continuing a tradition dating back to 1901 and the reign of King Edward VII.

About Sgt Scott Harris, Rockwood, Ontario – CANADA

Scott Harris served in the Canadian Forces for 24 years, retiring as a Sergeant and joining Commissionaires in 2003.  During his military career, Sgt Harris served with the 8th Canadian Hussars on NATO duty in Germany and served in the Reserves with the Queen’s York Rangers until 2005. 

As a commissionaire, he first worked in traffic and parking control at Toronto Pearson International Airport, during which time he quickly earned respect for his exceptional customer relations skills and ability to diffuse volatile situations.  This led to his promotion to the rank of Sergeant Supervisor, where today he oversees the security needs of the Canadian Border Services Agency – including the removal of individuals from the Toronto Pearson International Airport and their detainment in a holding cell for the purposes of possible deportation.

Sgt Harris is a graduate of the Commissionaires National Supervisors Course and the Commissionaires Instructor’s Course.  He is also a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Colonel John McCrae Memorial Branch 234.

About Commissionaires
Commissionaires was founded to provide meaningful employment for former Canadian Forces and RCMP personnel. The organization has long been recognized as Canada’s premier security provider, protecting people and property for public and private sector clients from coast to coast. While employing leading-edge technology in delivering security services, Commissionaires has remained true to its roots by providing employment to those making the transition to civilian life after active service in the military and police forces. Commissionaires’ services and security solutions include: security guarding, enforcement, identification services, training and security consulting. The integrity, strong work ethic, proven skills and discipline of Commissionaires give clients confidence and security everyday, everywhere.

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For more information please contact:

Donna D'Arcy
Commissionaires
T 416 364 4496 x444
C 416 458 0276
ddarcy@commissionaires.ca

Dave Fleet
Thornley Fallis Communications
T 416 515 7517 E332
C 416 414 6630
fallis@thornleyfallis.com

 

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