July 10th, 2026
Commissionaires is proud to announce the 2026 National Commissionaire of the Year and National Supervisors of the Year. This year’s recognition is especially meaningful, as 2026 marks the first time there has been a tie for Supervisor of the Year, allowing us to honour two outstanding supervisors.
Congratulations to Commissionaire of the Year, Elinor Clark and the Supervisors of the Year Hugh MacDonald and Carey Deschamps, who were recognized for their achievements during a gala dinner at the Corps’ Annual Meeting of Divisions held in Halifax on June 19, with His Honour the Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, in attendance.
Commissionaire of the Year (COTY): Elinor Clark
Elinor Clark joined the Corps in 2018 after a long career in education, including working with Indigenous students in communities across Canada and serving as a school principal. Since joining Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton District, she has taken on a variety of roles, including Alternate Acting Site Supervisor at Marine Atlantic Inc., Cape Breton District ID Services lead, and as a first aid and security guard instructor.
She was nominated for this award for her contributions to Nova Scotia Division’s ISO 18788 certification, an international standard that supports responsible, professional security operations. Her work helped prepare the district for a successful 2024 audit.
Throughout her time with Commissionaires, she has also been recognized with a Nova Scotia Division CEO Commendation in 2024 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.
Beyond Commissionaires, she enjoys playing the fiddle and is an active volunteer in her community through service organizations, church associations, parent-teacher groups, and local charities.
Supervisor of the Year (SOTY): Hugh MacDonald
Hugh MacDonald brought a wide range of experience to the Corps when he joined Nova Scotia Division’s Cape Breton District in 2024, including service with the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces, followed by a 37-year career in broadcasting. In 2025, he was appointed Site Supervisor at Sydney Garrison Victoria Park.
He was nominated for this award in recognition of his contributions to strengthening day-to-day operations and supporting the commissionaires working at his site through improved communication and stronger client relationships. His thoughtful approach to site management sets the standard for all commissionaires.
Outside of his work with the Corps, he has built a successful career in public service, winning two municipal elections in Alberta and serving as deputy mayor. He has received a commendation from the Government of Alberta for using commercial broadcasting resources to keep the public informed during emergencies. He has also supported youth groups, church organizations, veterans’ associations, local initiatives, and community life in Cape Breton.
Supervisor of the Year: MCpl (Ret’d) Carey Deschamps:
Carey Deschamps joined the Corps in 2016 following a 25-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served across Canada and abroad in places such as Germany and Afghanistan. In 2018, he became the Corps’ Detachment Commander at CFB Edmonton, where he continues to support both his guards and clients.
He was nominated for this award for his management of a team of 50 commissionaires across multiple CFB Edmonton sites, helping to coordinate staffing, support daily operations, and maintaining strong service for clients and guards alike.
He was previously recognized for his leadership, including being named Northern Alberta Division’s Employee of the Month in 2024 and Employee of the Year for 2025.
When he isn’t in a Commissionaires uniform, he volunteers with community and youth-focused initiatives. He is also a long-standing astronomy enthusiast who enjoys sharing his interest in the night sky through astrophotography.
Congratulations again to Elinor, Hugh, and Carey on this national recognition, and thank you for helping make Commissionaires the best place to work for so many people.