Acclaimed Toronto-based editorial photographer Trevor Godinho joins host Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, to discuss his powerful portrait series, Honour Country Sacrifice. This moving project captures the stories and faces of Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present, highlighting the diversity and humanity behind the uniform.

Trevor shares how the series honours veterans and serving members from all walks of life, including women, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ communities, and people of colour. Rather than focusing on medals and accolades, Honour Country Sacrifice shines a light on personal stories of dedication, resilience, and quiet sacrifice, from WWII veterans to newly enlisted recruits and families of the fallen.

Through compelling photography and storytelling, Trevor aims to preserve the legacy of service and deepen our understanding of what it truly means to be Canadian.

Topics Covered:

• Trevor’s journey as an editorial photographer
• The inspiration behind Honour Country Sacrifice
• Veteran recognition and inclusive storytelling
• Remembrance Day reflections
• Military history and personal narratives
• Identity, service, and Canadian values

Links & Resources:

• Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast
• Trevor Godinho: https://trevorgodinho.com
• Honour Country Sacrifice: https://honourcountrysacrifice.com
• Trevor’s photography subjects: https://trevorgodinho.com/portrait-sessions
• Camp X: https://www.camp-x.com/
• Royal Canadian Military Institute: https://www.rcmi.org/
• The Enigma Project: https://www.enigmaproject.ai/
• The First Force: https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/the-force-the-legendary-special-ops-unit-and-wwiis-mission-impossible/
• The Devil’s Brigade: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/what-the-devils-brigade-did-in-world-war-ii/
• Elinchrom: https://www.elinchrom.com/
• Captain Nichola Goddard Women in Leadership Series: April 2025: https://truepatriotlove.com/get-involved/events/captain-nichola-goddard-women-in-leadership/
• Fred Arsenault and Bren machine gun: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/fred-arsenault-world-war-2-vet-birthday-cards-1.5485335
• Liberation of Holland: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/liberation-of-holland
• Commander Paul Smith: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/paul-smith
• HMCS York: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/official-military-history-lineages/lineages/list-commissioned-ships/york.html
• The Hidi Group: https://hidi.com/
• Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation: https://veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/who-we-are/department-officials/minister/minister-veterans-affairs-commendation/trevor-francis-godinho

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Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia

Produced by Podstarter

Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca

Introducing our bonus episode series: Changemakers. This series is dedicated to highlighting the individuals who take action to drive positive change in their communities, organizations, and beyond. Changemakers identify problems, develop innovative solutions, and inspire others to take part in meaningful transformation. These episodes will be shorter interviews with leaders in our community.

Justin Tyner, District Manager for Commissionaires Nova Scotia’s (CNS) Northern Division, covering Colchester, Cumberland, and Guysborough counties, joins host and CEO of CNS, Barry Pitcher, in this episode. With more than 20 years of security experience, Justin’s career reflects his deep-rooted calling to serve and protect. What began as a trusted friend’s recommendation to join CNS has grown into a leadership journey defined by commitment, mentorship, and community impact.

Links & Resources:

• Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast
• Hurricane Fiona: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/weather-snoddon-fiona-recap-1.6976249
• Cobequid Pass: https://www.cobequidpass.com/aboutus
• Commissionaires Canada Celebrating 100 Years of Service: commissionaires100.ca

Subscribe to Purpose & Protection for more conversations on service, security, and leadership.

Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia

Produced by Podstarter

Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca/careers

Brigadier-General Mark Parsons, CD, from the 5th Canadian Division, joins host Colonel Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia and a senior officer in the Primary Army Reserve, for a compelling conversation about the vital role of the Canadian Reserve Force in national security and community support.

Often referred to as “citizen soldiers,” Reservists are part-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who serve their country while maintaining their civilian careers. They live and work in the communities they protect, bringing unique skills, purpose, and dedication to both their civilian and CAF roles.

Whether your interests lie in the Reserves, leadership development, or community service, this conversation provides meaningful insights into the individuals who answer the call when their country and communities need them most. We actively encourage Reservists to consider becoming Commissionaires, as we are committed to ensuring they have secure employment upon their return from deployment.

Topics Covered:

• What it means to be a reservist
• Community Impact within Atlantic Canada
• How reservists contribute nationally and globally
• Insights into being a Reservist
• How to join the Reserves and start your journey
• How organizations can support service

Links & Resources:

• Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast
• Brigadier-General Parsons Bio: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/senior-leaders/5-canadian-division.html
• Canadian 5th Division: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/5-canadian-division.html
• Operation PROTEUS: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/operation-proteus.html
• Reserve Force: https://forces.ca/en/reserve-force/
• Operation REASSURANCE: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/operation-reassurance.html
• Operation IMPACT: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/recently-completed/operation-impact.html
• Operation UNIFIER and the Ukraine War: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/operation-unifier.html
• Jobs in the Reserves: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/jobs-careers/summer-jobs.html
• Commissionaires Canada Celebrating 100 Years of Service: commissionaires100.ca

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Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia

Produced by Podstarter

Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca

In this inaugural episode, Commissionaires Nova Scotia CEO and host, Barry Pitcher, sits down with the Honourable Peter MacKay, PC, KC, to discuss the evolving security landscape and the importance of supporting Canada’s veterans. From service to defence, this conversation explores leadership, legacy and national purpose.

Topics Covered:

• Peter MacKay’s role with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as Defence Minister during the Afghanistan conflict
• Importance of ensuring the CAF has support, resources, capabilities, respect and personnel
• Changes in Canada’s security environment
• Arctic Defence and Halifax connection with NATO DIANA
• Veteran advocacy and support
• Commissionaires Hiring Veterans and First Responders
• Volunteering in the Community, Peter MacKay and Wounded Warriors

Links & Resources:

• Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast
• About The Honourable Peter MacKay: https://www.mcinnescooper.com/news/deloitte-canada-and-mcinnes-cooper-welcome-former-cabinet-minister-the-hon-peter-mackay-p-c-q-c/
• About the Afghan Conflict: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/afghanistan
• Wounded Warriors: https://woundedwarriors.ca/
• What is a challenge coin? https://commissionaires.ca/en/articles/specially-minted-challenge-coins-presented-to-commissionaires-during-the-organizations-centennial/
• Westray Mine Tragedy: https://museumofindustry.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/coal-and-grit/tragedy-westray
• NATO DIANA: https://www.diana.nato.int/
• Human Trafficking Awareness: https://commissionaires.ca/en/articles/commissionaires-nova-scotia-joins-fight-against-human-trafficking/
• Navigating the North, McInnes Cooper Event https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/92ab0b29-bf64-4ca9-86aa-64a2a0d5f2ab@88a63737-494d-4ec2-91b9-8d86f2908c74

Subscribe to Purpose & Protection for more conversations on service, security and leadership.
Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia

Produced by Podstarter

Become a commissionaire: commissionaires.ca

Commissionaires Nova Scotia proudly presents Purpose & Protection, a podcast dedicated to the people behind Canada’s security: veterans, their families, civilians and all those dedicated to keeping our communities safe.