October 17th, 2024
Halifax, NS – Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS), the province’s only not-for-profit security provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Landry as Chief Operating Officer and Honourary Colonel Douglas Ruck as Chair of the Board of Governors. These appointments are significant as CNS strengthens its operational efficiency and innovation in a competitive security market.
“I’m excited to join CNS, with its rich history of service and commitment to the community,” says Rebecca Landry. “I look forward to building on this legacy, driving innovation, and ensuring we continue delivering the highest level of security and trust.”
Landry, who began with CNS mid-September 2024, will oversee operations for more than 1,300 commissionaires across Nova Scotia. With extensive experience in operations and a strong background of working with the Canadian Military, she is well-equipped to drive efficiency and strategic growth. Her dedication to mentorship and promoting female leadership in the defence and security industry will foster a culture of growth and empowerment within the organization.
Known for her creative, detail-oriented and innovative approach, Landry’s methods align seamlessly with the mission of CNS. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, specializing in Industrial Management and Production Engineering. Her education emphasized continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainable practices—values that resonate deeply with the core objectives of CNS. Some of her key accomplishments include:
• Designing and implementing a new quality management system that standardized and streamlined the organization’s processes, leading to a higher quality product, significant cost savings and increased customer satisfaction.
• Leading several multi-cultural projects cultivating cultural intelligence and leveraging diversity for innovation.
Chief Operating Officer, CNS
“Rebecca brings a wealth of experience, and her forward-thinking perspective will significantly enhance horizon operations here at CNS,” says Barry Pitcher, CEO. “She has already hit the ground running and taken a firm grasp of improving our operational capabilities and fostering relations with all of our valued clients.”
Pitcher also warmly welcomed Hon Col Douglas Ruck as the new Chair of the Board of Governors. Pitcher noted that “Doug is very highly respected here in Nova Scotia as an engaging leader of change. He is a tireless community ambassador and I look forward to working with him as we continue to redefine our culture here at CNS.”
Ruck has been a member of the CNS Board of Governors since 2018. At a board meeting in September, Chief Superintendent (Ret’d) Tom W. Bennet, now Past Chair, passed on the role of Chair to Ruck.
Chair, CNS Board of Governors
“It’s an exciting time for Commissionaires Nova Scotia, we are living in a different environment and social climate than when the Board of Governors originally began. The people and public we serve has changed. As a Board we have recognized that change and we are taking action,” says Ruck. “Diversity, equity and inclusion has become a focus for CNS. We have started to become a more diverse body, thus we are examining our practices and making changes to be more equitable and inclusive.”
Ruck is an accomplished lawyer who specialized in labour relations and employment, human rights, occupational health and safety and administrative law throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University, Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from Kings College, and Mediation from Harvard University Law School.
In addition to his legal career, Ruck has shared his time and expertise with a range of volunteer organizations. He currently serves as Honorary Colonel of the Princess Louise Fusiliers, the Chair of University of King’s College Board of Governors and was the first full-time Chair of the Unified Nova Scotia Labour Board and is a former Ombudsman for Nova Scotia.
Ruck will serve a two-year term along with Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Bryn Weadon, who was appointed Vice Chair.
These key leadership appointments demonstrate CNS’s commitment to strengthening operational efficiency, fostering innovation and creating an equitable and inclusive body. CNS is well-positioned to excel in the competitive defence and security industry, ensuring success for clients and continued support for veterans. For more information about CNS visit commissionaires.ca.
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Media Contact:
Jill Smith-George
Marketing & Communications Manager
Commissionaires Nova Scotia
[email protected]
902 421 2384
About Commissionaires Nova Scotia
Commissionaires Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit organization providing security and background screening services across the province, with a mandate to provide meaningful employment to veterans, their families and others who wish to contribute to the security and well-being of Canadians. Through its workforce of over 1,300 employees, Commissionaires is dedicated to enhancing public safety and supporting community initiatives.