Commissionaires honours founders, members 

Halifax (July 30,2009) A Wall of Distinction honouring the founders and exemplary members of Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) since the organization’s establishment in 1937 was unveiled at the CNS Training Centre, Dartmouth. 

Colonel Murray Lee, CEO and Commandant of CNS said the display of photos and  biographical materials “traces the history and development of the Corps from a small number of veterans employed in the Halifax area in the 1930s and 40s to more than 1700 Commissionaires employed at 200 work sites across the province today.”  

He explained that establishing the Wall of Distinction in the Training Centre also coincides with the first full year of operation of the state-of-the-art security training facility.  

Colonel John Boileau, Chair CNS Board of Governors said “the Wall honours members of the Corps’s Board of Governors as well as serving members. The latter include those who have served 30 years and those who have received the Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, CEO Commendation and the Site Commendation.”  

Among members of the Board of Governors recognized are Colonel Sidney C. Oland and Colonel William C. Borrett. 

Col. Oland, a prominent Canadian businessman was founder of the Halifax Division (later NS Division) of the Corps of Commissionaires in 1937 and served as a member and chair of the board 1937-1977. He also served as a member of the National Board of Governors of the Corps 1938-1970. The Oland family tradition of service on the Board of Governors of the NS Corps continued with Col. Oland’s sons Brigadier the Hon Victor deB Oland and Commodore Bruce S. Oland and continues today with grandson Commander Richard Oland serving as a board member.  

Col. Borrett, one of the founders of the corps served in several capacities including adjutant, commandant and member of the Board of Governors until his death 1983. He was also a well-known historian, author (including ‘Tales Told Under the Old Town Clock’) and broadcaster.  

 

The CNS Training Centre is located at the corner of Windmill Road and Akerley Boulevard, Dartmouth. 

For information, contact: 

Patrick Brownlow

(902)430-7227