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Vice-Admiral P. Dean McFadden, CMM, CD Chief of the Maritime Staff and Commander of the Navy |
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Byron Rafuse Controller, Province of Nova Scotia |
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Vice-Admiral P. Dean McFadden, CMM, CD
Chief of the Maritime Staff and Commander of the Navy |
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Each came from humble beginnings but aspired to contribute beyond our shores. Both Canada and her navy came of age in the crucible of war. It is said that the young nation first gained a true sense of its own capacity, character and identity as a result of its national sacrifice and victory achieved at Vimy Ridge during the Great War. Her navy certainly acquired that sense of capacity, essential purpose and identity in the long struggle of the Battle of the Atlantic, in the moments of the nation’s most urgent peril during the Second World War. This sense of purpose both country and navy have carried into the present day, where both are respected on the world stage, as much for their labours in peace as those in war.
Your navy was standing watch long before the Battle of Atlantic, and it has continued to stand the watch ever since, “ready, aye ready”. It patrolled the coasts of Korea during the first conflict fought under the banner of the United Nations. It kept a ceaseless vigil throughout the course of a long Cold War. It deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of an international response to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. It responded to the attacks of September 11th in sustained global maritime operations to counter international terrorism. Today, your navy continues to protect Canada and its interests against menaces both new and old, both at home and abroad.
The purpose of the navy’s centennial is not just to tell this great story to all Canadians. It’s to publicly renew our commitment to Canada. On the eve of our second century, I can’t pretend to foresee all the challenges that await us in the decades ahead. But neither could Sir Wilfrid Laurier, when he looked forward from 1910. But he held an abiding faith in what Canada stood for and a vision of the country as a leading member of the community of nations—a vision that our navy helped to secure, in peace and war, and as we continue to sustain today.
That alone gives me great confidence for our next century, because Laurier’s vision remains undiminished nearly 100 years later: that Canadians will continue to strive to make a difference, knowing that the world will not be as we wish but rather as we are prepared to help make it.
VAdm Dean McFadden VAdm Dean McFadden assumes responsibilities as Chief of the Maritime Staff and Commander of the Navy having completed sequential tours in joint formations: most recently as Commander CANADACOM and, prior to that, as Commander MARLANT/JTF(Atlantic). In both of these appointments, his efforts focussed on not only delivering Joint CF effect but in the development of an integrated, whole-of-government capacity to address the security and defence needs of Canada in the 21st century. The creation of a Maritime Security Operations Centre in Halifax and enhanced inter-department cooperation at the national level are examples of this capacity building.
Prior to this work his experience was primarily in the conduct of fleet and Task Group operations, and in these he served at every level of command: in HMCS Montréal; Sea Training (Atlantic); MAROPSGRU 5; and finally, as Commander CANFLTLANT and of the high-readiness Task Group. In this last assignment he led a Joint/Inter-agency Task Group, comprised of Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard elements, in support of the disaster relief mission to US Gulf States in the wake of hurricane Katrina in 2005.
VAdm McFadden's experience at sea is about equally split between Pacific and Atlantic Fleets; with tours in his navigation specialty and as Training and Combat Officer in the former, and in command appointments in the latter. His staff experience includes assignments as Scheduling Officer for NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic at CINCEASTLANT HQ and as Chief Staff Officer CANDESRON 5. At NDHQ, he served as Director Asia-Pacific Policy and as SA to the Director General International Security Policy. He was as well, Director of Maritime Strategy on the Maritime Staff, and led development of the Navy's current strategy document, which is called “Leadmark”. It is perhaps indicative of a return to his naval roots that this document will be updated for the new century during his watch as CMS.
VAdm McFadden is a graduate of Royal Roads Military College, with a degree in Physics and Physical Oceanography, and of the Command and Staff Course and the Advanced Military Studies Programme at the Canadian Forces College, and is a Fellow of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies.
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Byron Rafuse
Controller, Province of Nova Scotia |
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The program that you will participate in over these two days will highlight innovative ways of thinking and new approaches that are being taken to the
challenges the Public Sector must face every day in improving accountability, protecting our environment, managing the economy and developing our workforce.
I am proud of the excellent work that is being done by all of our colleagues from across the Public Sector. Take this opportunity to
celebrate successes, share your expertise and be inspired, while enjoying our famous Maritime Hospitality.
Byron Rafuse was appointed Controller for the Province of Nova Scotia in June 2005. In this capacity, he provides leadership and strategic direction to the financial community within the Province.
Mr. Rafuse has more than 25 years experience with the provincial government where he has held several senior financial and program positions within the departments of the Solicitor General, Justice, Finance and Health.
Mr. Rafuse’s previous work experience includes the role of the lead accounting and financial position for several government departments and has also participated in the development of the corporate budget for the Province of Nova Scotia. Program experience focused on the development of accountability frameworks with third parties that deliver provincial services through contracts and legislation.
Mr. Rafuse graduated from the University of Saint Mary’s with his bachelor of Commerce. He is a Certified Management Accountant and currently on the Board of the Nova Scotia Society of Management Accountants. He lives in Halifax with his wife and daughter.