We are delighted and honoured to present a very special speaker this coming Wednesday: Commissioner of the Coast Guard Jeffery Hutchinson. He will speak about the Coast Guard, its many programs and services as well as recruitment information. The Commissioner will also touch on priorities that will help guide the Coast Guard’s direction over the next few years.
Canada is a proud maritime nation. From recreational boaters, fishers, to shippers, Canadians have sailed our waters for hundreds of years as both a way of life and for our livelihood. Our nation’s culture is tied to our inland waters and our oceans, and many of us depend upon them to feed our families or simply as a way to feed our passion for discovery and adventure.
Since Confederation, Canada has had a maritime civilian fleet, providing vital maritime services such as search and rescue, icebreaking, fishery protection and navigation safety. In 1962, the Government’s marine programs and its collection of vessels was organized under the newly formed Canadian Coast Guard.
Since its creation, the Canadian Coast Guard has been proudly serving Canadians. Over time, many of its programs and services have changed and evolved with the times and the needs of Canadians.
Today, as a nationally recognized symbol of pride, service and safety, the Canadian Coast Guard ensures the safety of all mariners in Canadian waters and oversees the clean-up of environmental pollution to ensure our three coasts and Great Lakes are protected. The Coast Guard also ensures the safe and efficient movement of all maritime traffic through ports and harbours along our 243,000 kilometre coastline, the longest in the world.
Locally the Coast Guard is responsible for the official aids to navigation on the Ottawa River, from buoys marking the navigational channel, to the Baskins range and the lighthouse beacons. As some of you may be aware the Coast Guard is currently undertaking a review of these aids.
Join us March 6 in this unique opportunity to meet the Commissioner in person.
Commissioner Hutchinson was appointed to lead the Canadian Coast Guard in March 2017, after having served in the position of Deputy Commissioner, Strategy and Shipbuilding from 2015-2017. Prior to this, Commissioner Hutchinson held the positions of Director General, National Strategies, and Director General, Integrated Business Management Services.
Building on 15 years of executive experience, Commissioner Hutchinson has a proven track record of leadership in the public service that ranges from law to frontline services.
The kitchen opens at 5.00 pm, and the presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday is Steak Night. Members of all local sailing clubs obtain a discount on food purchases by showing a valid club membership card. Attendees are asked to make a donation to support the NSC Legacy fund.
The speaker series continues weekly until April 17. Please see the Winter Speaker page for details.