February 3rd, 2026
In 2025, Commissionaires marked 100 years of service to Canada. As our Centennial year comes to a close, we look back with pride at the countless moments that made it unforgettable, including national celebrations, recognition and partnerships that were forged. Alongside these national highlights, Commissionaires Divisions across the country marked the Centennial with their own local initiatives, including flag-raising ceremonies, 100 hours of volunteer service, employee celebrations and much more.
Without further ado, and in no particular order, these are a selection of the top moments that defined the Centennial.
The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires was designated a National Historic Event
Before the Centennial year even began, Parks Canada recognized Commissionaires as a national historic event, citing its historic importance as a nationwide private and non-profit organization of longstanding service to reintegrate Canada’s veterans and their families into Canadian society.
Commemorative Centennial banners were installed on Confederation Boulevard in Ottawa
The banners, on display from May 2025 to October 2025, showcased figures representing past and present commissionaires. They served as the backdrop for a number of National events in Ottawa, including the royal visit from His Majesty King Charles III, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and the Canada Army Run.
The Canadian War Museum unveiled a new display marking the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires
The display, “Commissionaires Way,” highlights notable figures from Commissionaires’ history, all of whom served as commissionaires, including Lieutenant (later major) Benjamin Handley Geary of the East Surrey Regiment and his Victoria Cross medal set, which he earned for bravery at Hill 60 during the First World War. It also includes Corporal (later lieutenant) Colin Fraser Barron of the 48th Highlanders, who received the Victoria Cross for capturing three German machine gun positions in the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele.
The Contemporary Commissionaires section of the display highlights modern-day commissionaires, including Ajit Singh and Rodney McAlpine, whose quick thinking saved lives while on the job and earned them the Commissionaires Medal of Bravery. McAlpine was later awarded the National Medal of Bravery. Also featured is Honorary Colonel Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer, who served on the board of Commissionnaires du Québec.
Canada’s Governor General spoke at the Centennial Gala in Ottawa
Commissionaires’ Viceregal Patron, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, delivered heartfelt remarks at the Centennial Gala in Ottawa, honouring the contributions Commissionaires has made to Canada over the past 100 years.
The Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, delivered a statement to the House of Commons commemorating Commissionaires’ Centennial year.
In his speech, Fisher said, “Their work is vital, but their impact goes deeper. For countless former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Commissionaires offers not just employment but dignity, purpose, and camaraderie after service. To the entire Commissionaires family, past and present, thank you for a century of service, loyalty, and care. Here’s to the next 100 years.”
At the end of the video, Fisher is seen shaking hands with Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte, who previously worked as a commissionaire for seven years with Kingston Division.
Commissionaires Nova Scotia teamed up with Emma Stevens for a powerful performance at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
In celebration of the Centennial, Commissionaires Nova Scotia partnered with singer and activist, Emma Stevens, of Eskasoni First Nation, for a performance in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.
The performance addressed the national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the broader crisis of human trafficking across Canada.
In recognition of this impactful awareness initiative, the Canadian Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) honoured Commissionaires Nova Scotia and Emma Stevens, with the Outstanding Partnership Award, advancing the initiative to consideration at the global OSPAs level.
Commissionaires opened the Market at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)
To kick off its official anniversary on July 25th, Commissionaires, alongside partners and community leaders, joined TMX Group to open the Market at the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Landmarks across Canada lit up in Commissionaires’ signature colours
Also on the official anniversary, the Calgary Tower, the Saamis Tepee in Medicine Hat (AB), the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge in Winnipeg (MB), and the CN Tower were illuminated in Commissionaires’ signature orange and blue, connecting employees and supporters across Canada.
Sgt (Ret’d) Alain Gélinas, CD won $10,000 from the Once-a-day for $10K Employee Contest
Québec Division CEO Marc Parent surprised Gélinas with the good news at a Centennial reception in Montréal, which you can see in the emotional video above.
Gélinas has been with Commissionaires for over 16 years and served with the Canadian Army for 24 years.
Hundreds of commissionaires received special awards during the Centennial
Centennial recognition award ceremonies were hosted at Government House in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, recognizing dedicated commissionaires across the region. Her Honour The Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward O.N.L. also presided over a special awards ceremony in Newfoundland and Labrador. After the ceremony, she helped plant a commemorative tree to mark the 100th anniversary.
Additionally, over 60 Commissionaires across the country were also awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal for their service and dedication to their communities.
100 kilometres for 100 years
A contingent from Commissionaires du Québec travelled to Ottawa to participate in the Canada Army Run, which raises funds for Support Our Troops and Solider On. Together, the contingent completed 100 kilometers for 100 years.
Award-winning journalist Lisa LaFlamme was appointed honorary governor
Through her assignments reporting alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as during humanitarian crises around the world, Lisa LaFlamme developed a deep respect for veterans. Having witnessed both the highs and lows of military service, she became a passionate advocate for those who serve their country. Her commitment to supporting veterans aligns with Commissionaires’ founding principle of creating meaningful employment for those who served.
Commissionaires marched in the Cenotaph Parade in London alongside UK counterparts
In honour of the Centennial, Corps Security (the UK Corps of Commissionaires) invited veterans from the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires to march alongside them in the Cenotaph Parade on Remembrance Sunday.
The Cenotaph Parade is an annual march of approximately 10,000 veterans and eligible participants that takes place following the National Act of Remembrance, led by His Majesty The King.
Commissionaires Centennial Photo Challenge Winners
To celebrate the Centennial amongst employees, Commissionaires hosted a photo challenge. There were hundreds of submissions showcasing esprit de corps across the country; however, only four prizes were available, and those lucky winners were:
- Henock Kidane for most voted
- Rosanna Williams for most spirited
- for random draw
- Erika Peck for the Commissionaires National Office staff pick