The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of National Defence, yesterday announced the appointment of Mr. Peter Bissonnette as the newest Honorary Naval Captain, affiliated with the office of the Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, in Esquimalt, B.C.
“It is a privilege to appoint Mr. Peter Bissonnette as an Honorary Naval Captain,” said Minister Nicholson. “As a prominent member of the Calgary business community, I am convinced he will be an excellent ambassador for the Navy and continue to strengthen the vital relationship between the Royal Canadian Navy and industry.”
“I am humbled and proud to be appointed Honorary Naval Captain and look forward to working with my new shipmates in the Navy. Having spent the better part of my career at Shaw, I see the power that relationships, family values, conviction and commitment can have in making an organization successful,” said Mr. Bissonnette. “As an Honorary Naval Captain, I will have the opportunity to see first-hand the significant role the Navy plays in international and domestic affairs, and promote the virtues that make it such a great institution. I am grateful to the Navy’s leadership for nominating me and for providing the opportunity to appreciate the tremendous efforts and sacrifice that each member of the Navy makes on behalf of all Canadians.”
Mr. Bissonnette is the President of Shaw Communications Inc. and a member of its Board of Directors. His experience in telecommunications and as a former Canadian Armed Forces member has helped him forge strong successful relationships in his business, community, and personal life.
Honorary Naval Captains act as a bridge between military and civilian communities, and help link diverse areas of Canadian society – from politics and business to journalism and the arts. They bring with them unique skills and connections that help strengthen the Navy’s ties to Canadian communities in order to promote a better understanding of maritime defence issues.
Honorary Naval Captains are quite visible, attending significant naval, Canadian Armed Forces, and public events and ceremonies in uniform across the country. The Minister of National Defence, on the recommendations of the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, is the approving authority for all appointments.
[mappress] Press Release, September 19, 2013; Image: Navy