October 1st, 2026
We are proud to recognize 10 students who have each received a $2,500 bursary through the Commissionaires National Bursary Program, which has supported 60 students since it was launched in 2022. The program supports commissionaires and their eligible family members by providing financial assistance to students pursuing post-secondary education.
“Supporting that community means investing in commissionaires and their families at every stage of life, including through education. The National Bursary Program is one way we help recipients pursue their goals and build their futures,” said Dave Madeira, Chair of the National Honours and Awards Committee.
Bursary recipient Melissa LaBonte reflects that broader story. She is both a commissionaire and the child of a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member.
“Commissionaires is the reason I chose to pursue criminology, and it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. This bursary feels like a vote of confidence in my future, and I’m proud to represent the New Brunswick Prince Edward Island Division,” said Melissa LaBonte.
Congratulations to all 2026/2027 recipients:
- A recipient who requested anonymity: Commissionaire, Québec Division
- Ayasha Mahfuz Maahi: Child of a commissionaire, South Saskatchewan Division
- Emmanuel Babadina: Commissionaire, Newfoundland and Labrador Division
- Emanuel Buss Foncea: Commissionaire, Ottawa Division
- Imran Chana: Commissionaire and veteran from the Pakistan military, Nova Scotia Division
- Fortune Toni-Ojiako: Child of a commissionaire, South Saskatchewan Division
- Kassidy Richards: Child of a commissionaire, Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Division
- Melissa LaBonte: Commissionaire from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Division and child of a CAF member
- Nicholas Larney: Commissionaire, Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Division
- Richard Hetherington: Commissionaire, New Brunswick Prince Edward Island Division
Thank you to our partners BMO and thePersonal for supporting the program.
“One of the most meaningful aspects of our partnership with Commissionaires is the opportunity to support employees and their families as they pursue their educational goals. We are grateful to play a small part in helping students invest in their future, and we’re continually inspired by their dedication, ambition and achievements,” said Tiffany Marinacci, thePersonal National Account Manager, Account Development.