Empowering Service with Brigadier-General Mark Parsons

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
  
  

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

What is Purpose & Protection?

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. Each episode explores the lived experiences of those who’ve served, those who support them, and those shaping the future of Canada’s security landscape. From the frontlines to the home front, you’ll hear stories of resilience, leadership and purpose.

As the largest private employer of veterans in Nova Scotia and Canada’s only not-for-profit security provider, Commissionaires is committed to providing meaningful employment to Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families and Canadians wishing to contribute to the security and wellbeing of Canadians.

Join Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, as he speaks with veterans, security professionals and thought leaders about:
-Life after service – veteran transition, support, and new opportunities
-Canada’s changing security landscape – challenges and innovations
-The civilian role in safety – how communities can contribute and support
Leadership and purpose – serving with integrity and protecting what matters

Whether you are a veteran, a supporter or simply curious about the people protecting our communities Purpose & Protection offers insight, inspiration and connection.