CMS NR10.011 - June 25, 2010
OTTAWA – The Commander of Canada’s Maritime Command, Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Anthony Whitford, the former Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, as the Canadian Navy’s newest Honorary Captain (Navy).
Mr. Whitford, a distinguished Canadian of Métis heritage, is an active community fundraiser and volunteer. He has extensive experience representing the Northwest Territories on the national scene and has proudly represented Canada in various meetings and conferences in Europe, Australia, the Cook Islands, Africa, Gibraltar and Barbados.
“The appointment of Mr. Whitford recognizes the northern indigenous peoples as a valued part of one of our nation’s most fundamental institutions,” said Vice-Admiral McFadden. “His devoted service to the community and strong support for the Canadian Forces makes Mr. Whitford the ideal individual to be affiliated with the office of the Chief of Staff for Maritime Forces Atlantic.”
“I feel privileged to be part of the Canadian Navy as an Honorary Captain (Navy),” said Mr. Whitford of his appointment. “I look forward to many opportunities of vibrant collaborations between the navy and the community.”
Over the years, Mr. Whitford, has worked as a mechanic, power plant operator, social worker, marriage counsellor, public servant, Marriage Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories and Sergeant-at-Arms during the 13th Legislative Assembly. He has received a number of awards for his dedicated service to the community such as the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, and the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.
Honorary Naval Captains act as bridges between military and civilian communities, representing diverse areas of Canadian society from politics and business to journalism and the arts. They bring with them unique skills and connections that help to strengthen the navy’s ties to Canadian communities and to promote a better understanding of maritime defence issues.
Honorary Naval Captains are quite visible, attending significant naval, CF and public events and ceremonies in uniform across the country, building bridges between military and civilian communities. They are appointed by the Minister of National Defence after receiving recommendations from the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Commander Maritime Command. These appointments are generally for a period of three years, although extensions may be granted.
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