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2023 Board of Directors
The 15-person Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors represent all facets of Chamber membership. There are 13 elected and three appointed — two of which are non-voting: The Chamber CEO and an Emerge Committee representative. The influential board works with decision-makers at all levels of government over the year to support our region’s business interests as well as maximize the value of membership with The Chamber. Executive Kris Wirk • Chair Christina Clarke • Vice-Chair John Wilson • Past Chair James Gatsi • Secretary Moira Hauk • Treasurer Directors Rose Arsenault • Director Dean Clarke • Director Judith Ethier • Director Fallon Lindsay • Director Pedro Marquez • Director Richard Michaels - Director Ann Squires Ferguson • Director Jessica Stigant • Director Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside • Director Non-Voting Josue Dubon • Director (Chair of Emerge Committee) Bruce Williams • Chamber CEO |
To view minutes from the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors meetings, click here.
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Kris Wirk • Chair
Kris is a partner with the accounting firm Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants.
Kris brings over 15 years experience in providing accounting and tax services for owner-managed businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations.
Kris is a former lecturer for the CPA School of Business and treasurer for the Victoria Prostate Centre. Kris began serving on The Chamber’s Board in 2016.
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Kris is a partner with the accounting firm Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants.
Kris brings over 15 years experience in providing accounting and tax services for owner-managed businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations.
Kris is a former lecturer for the CPA School of Business and treasurer for the Victoria Prostate Centre. Kris began serving on The Chamber’s Board in 2016.
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Christina Clarke • Vice-Chair
Christina Clarke is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, and the former CEO of the Songhees Development Corporation for the Songhees Nation. She started with the Nation in 1995 after graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History and Anthropology.
Christina leads implementation of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act for Songhees Nation, helping to achieve the first FMA laws in Canada and first debenture bond issue by the First Nations Finance Authority. Christina has represented Songhees Nation as a board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the South Island Prosperity Partnership and on the Mayor’s Task Force on Social Procurement and Social Enterprise for the City of Victoria. She is The Chamber's nominee for the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society. Christina’s second proudest achievement is her contribution to the planning and financing of the award-winning Songhees Wellness Centre. Christina’s proudest moments are with her daughter Katie. Christina also chairs The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Christina has served on the The Chamber's Board since 2018.
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Christina Clarke is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, and the former CEO of the Songhees Development Corporation for the Songhees Nation. She started with the Nation in 1995 after graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History and Anthropology.
Christina leads implementation of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act for Songhees Nation, helping to achieve the first FMA laws in Canada and first debenture bond issue by the First Nations Finance Authority. Christina has represented Songhees Nation as a board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the South Island Prosperity Partnership and on the Mayor’s Task Force on Social Procurement and Social Enterprise for the City of Victoria. She is The Chamber's nominee for the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society. Christina’s second proudest achievement is her contribution to the planning and financing of the award-winning Songhees Wellness Centre. Christina’s proudest moments are with her daughter Katie. Christina also chairs The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Christina has served on the The Chamber's Board since 2018.
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John Wilson • Past Chair
John Wilson is the President and CEO of The Wilson's Group of Companies. Wilson’s has been an active member of the Greater Victoria Business and Tourism community for 40 years. Since its creation, Wilson’s has grown to be one of the largest and most diverse ground transportation companies and an industry leader in British Columbia. With over 200 vehicles in their fleet, The Wilson’s Group of Companies has a variety of service offerings under their umbrella from group charters, sightseeing tours, and scheduled services.
Being an avid sports fan since he was a young boy, John took his love of sports to the next level when he ventured into ownership of some local sports teams in 2014. Currently, John is part of the ownership group of the Victoria Grizzlies Junior A Hockey Club, the Victoria HarbourCats and the Nanaimo Night Owls. John is Past Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Past President of Victoria’s SKAL Club. He also serves as a Board Member of Motor Coach Canada, the City of Victoria’s Economic Development and Downtown Prosperity Task Force, Destination Greater Victoria’s Destination Management and Transportation Committee, as well as the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission Committee.
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John Wilson is the President and CEO of The Wilson's Group of Companies. Wilson’s has been an active member of the Greater Victoria Business and Tourism community for 40 years. Since its creation, Wilson’s has grown to be one of the largest and most diverse ground transportation companies and an industry leader in British Columbia. With over 200 vehicles in their fleet, The Wilson’s Group of Companies has a variety of service offerings under their umbrella from group charters, sightseeing tours, and scheduled services.
Being an avid sports fan since he was a young boy, John took his love of sports to the next level when he ventured into ownership of some local sports teams in 2014. Currently, John is part of the ownership group of the Victoria Grizzlies Junior A Hockey Club, the Victoria HarbourCats and the Nanaimo Night Owls. John is Past Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Past President of Victoria’s SKAL Club. He also serves as a Board Member of Motor Coach Canada, the City of Victoria’s Economic Development and Downtown Prosperity Task Force, Destination Greater Victoria’s Destination Management and Transportation Committee, as well as the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission Committee.
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James Gatsi • Secretary
James Gatsi is a passionate entrepreneur originally from Zimbabwe, and his background is in information technology services. He is an alumni and former employee of the University of Victoria.
Today, he is the founder and CEO of CL Web Developers Inc. James and his team provide digital services to a wide range of local and global businesses. James enjoys the social aspect of our vibrant business community, and many of his clients and friends are fellow Chamber members. James also appreciates the hardship of running a business, and he knows first-hand that the challenges we all face are not equal. As a board member, James hopes to promote and support initiatives that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion across Victoria’s business community.
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James Gatsi is a passionate entrepreneur originally from Zimbabwe, and his background is in information technology services. He is an alumni and former employee of the University of Victoria.
Today, he is the founder and CEO of CL Web Developers Inc. James and his team provide digital services to a wide range of local and global businesses. James enjoys the social aspect of our vibrant business community, and many of his clients and friends are fellow Chamber members. James also appreciates the hardship of running a business, and he knows first-hand that the challenges we all face are not equal. As a board member, James hopes to promote and support initiatives that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion across Victoria’s business community.
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Moira Hauk • Treasurer
Moira Hauk is the Regional Manager, South Island for Coastal Community Credit Union; the largest Island-based Credit Union with more than $3 billion in assets and 24 branches across Vancouver Island.
Moira is Chair of The Chamber’s Finance and Audit Committee, and a member of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. Moira is past Chair of Community Futures Cowichan. An active volunteer, Moira believes that by supporting the communities where we live and work, we contribute to the health and vibrancy of our local economy.
Attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, housing affordability and safe communities are areas requiring innovative thought and action to reach solutions.
Moira has served on The Chamber's Board since 2019.
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Moira Hauk is the Regional Manager, South Island for Coastal Community Credit Union; the largest Island-based Credit Union with more than $3 billion in assets and 24 branches across Vancouver Island.
Moira is Chair of The Chamber’s Finance and Audit Committee, and a member of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. Moira is past Chair of Community Futures Cowichan. An active volunteer, Moira believes that by supporting the communities where we live and work, we contribute to the health and vibrancy of our local economy.
Attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, housing affordability and safe communities are areas requiring innovative thought and action to reach solutions.
Moira has served on The Chamber's Board since 2019.
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Rose Arsenault • Director
Rose is Branch Manager at Agilus Work Solutions (formerly Talentcor), where she has been advising public and private employers on their recruiting and human resource needs since 1997.
Rose, who was awarded the Chamber Member of the Year in 2019, has been an active member of The Chamber since 2007. She has spent countless hours as a board and committee member — most recently, as an Ambassador providing outreach and assistance to new members.
Rose rejoined The Chamber’s Board in 2019.
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Rose is Branch Manager at Agilus Work Solutions (formerly Talentcor), where she has been advising public and private employers on their recruiting and human resource needs since 1997.
Rose, who was awarded the Chamber Member of the Year in 2019, has been an active member of The Chamber since 2007. She has spent countless hours as a board and committee member — most recently, as an Ambassador providing outreach and assistance to new members.
Rose rejoined The Chamber’s Board in 2019.
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Dean Clarke • Director
Dean Clarke is a Senior Partner Owner with Tru Value Foods and joins The Chamber Board in 2023 as the current chair of the Family Business Committee.
Dean has been connected to the community for more than 40 years through the retail grocery industry as an executive and owner with Woodwards Foods Stores, Thrifty Foods and, since 2011, Tru Value Foods group.
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Dean Clarke is a Senior Partner Owner with Tru Value Foods and joins The Chamber Board in 2023 as the current chair of the Family Business Committee.
Dean has been connected to the community for more than 40 years through the retail grocery industry as an executive and owner with Woodwards Foods Stores, Thrifty Foods and, since 2011, Tru Value Foods group.
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Judith Ethier • Director
Judith Ethier is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), overseeing risk management, legal, finance, human resources, information technology, leasing, administration and governance for the Board of Directors. Judith’s role includes supporting and developing the strategic initiatives that will ensure the organization enjoys long-term sustainability and growth.
Judith has been a resident of Victoria since 2017 and enjoys involvement within the community. In 2020, Judith took a role as a Board Member with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Judith is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a CPCC designation, as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, where she enjoys working with individuals and organizations on strategic career and leadership development.
Judith is also on The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and Finance and Audit Committee.
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Judith Ethier is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), overseeing risk management, legal, finance, human resources, information technology, leasing, administration and governance for the Board of Directors. Judith’s role includes supporting and developing the strategic initiatives that will ensure the organization enjoys long-term sustainability and growth.
Judith has been a resident of Victoria since 2017 and enjoys involvement within the community. In 2020, Judith took a role as a Board Member with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Judith is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a CPCC designation, as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, where she enjoys working with individuals and organizations on strategic career and leadership development.
Judith is also on The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and Finance and Audit Committee.
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Fallon Lindsay• Director
Fallon Lindsay is the Director of Finance and Administration at Kinetic Construction.
Fallon is engaged in the community through working and volunteering for several organizations. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over ten years of experience across diverse industries including construction, property management, commercial real estate, and health services retail. Fallon graduated from the University of Victoria and holds her Chartered Professional Designation (CPA, CGA) and Certified Human Resource Professional (CPHR) designation.
Fallon is actively involved in the volunteer community and has served on several boards including the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Board as Treasurer and Chair, and is a Directors on the HeroWork Canada and Our Place Society Boards.
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Fallon Lindsay is the Director of Finance and Administration at Kinetic Construction.
Fallon is engaged in the community through working and volunteering for several organizations. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over ten years of experience across diverse industries including construction, property management, commercial real estate, and health services retail. Fallon graduated from the University of Victoria and holds her Chartered Professional Designation (CPA, CGA) and Certified Human Resource Professional (CPHR) designation.
Fallon is actively involved in the volunteer community and has served on several boards including the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Board as Treasurer and Chair, and is a Directors on the HeroWork Canada and Our Place Society Boards.
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Pedro Márquez • Director
Pedro Márquez holds a doctorate degree from the University of Calgary in Management and Political Science and is Vice-President, Research and International at Royal Roads University. Pedro has been an active member of the community, serving on numerous boards such as the South Island Prosperity Project, West Shore Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, among others.
An academic at heart, Pedro has worked closely with businesses and the community to capitalize opportunities, synergies and advancement, both in Canada and Mexico. His research is focused on corporate governance, international education, business ethics and NAFTA. Pedro considers regional economic development and small business development as key issues for the future.
Pedro has served on The Chamber's board since 2019.
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Pedro Márquez holds a doctorate degree from the University of Calgary in Management and Political Science and is Vice-President, Research and International at Royal Roads University. Pedro has been an active member of the community, serving on numerous boards such as the South Island Prosperity Project, West Shore Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, among others.
An academic at heart, Pedro has worked closely with businesses and the community to capitalize opportunities, synergies and advancement, both in Canada and Mexico. His research is focused on corporate governance, international education, business ethics and NAFTA. Pedro considers regional economic development and small business development as key issues for the future.
Pedro has served on The Chamber's board since 2019.
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Richard Michaels • Director
Richard Michaels is the president of MACCRIM Solutions, a land development consultant company, specializing in assisting investors, developers and landowners to facilitate and create a vision of well-planned, sustainable, land-use developments. Richard is a collaborative facilitator, providing essential information and detailed initiative support that enables his client's to position their strategies congruent with sustainable land-use development and redevelopment projects, with smart growth potential.
Richard contributes his time to a number of community organizations. Currently, he is serving as chair of the Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau, President of the Victoria HarbourCats Foundation and is a Board of Director at Victoria Rotary Club. He is also a member of the Saanich Planning, Traffic and Economic Development Senior Committee, a Commodore at the Vancouver Island International Rotary Yachting Club, a member of the Victoria Inter-Cultural Association and a member of the Urban Development Institute.
Richard began serving on The Chamber's Board in 2021, and he is a member of the Ambassador Committee.
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Richard Michaels is the president of MACCRIM Solutions, a land development consultant company, specializing in assisting investors, developers and landowners to facilitate and create a vision of well-planned, sustainable, land-use developments. Richard is a collaborative facilitator, providing essential information and detailed initiative support that enables his client's to position their strategies congruent with sustainable land-use development and redevelopment projects, with smart growth potential.
Richard contributes his time to a number of community organizations. Currently, he is serving as chair of the Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau, President of the Victoria HarbourCats Foundation and is a Board of Director at Victoria Rotary Club. He is also a member of the Saanich Planning, Traffic and Economic Development Senior Committee, a Commodore at the Vancouver Island International Rotary Yachting Club, a member of the Victoria Inter-Cultural Association and a member of the Urban Development Institute.
Richard began serving on The Chamber's Board in 2021, and he is a member of the Ambassador Committee.
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Ann Squires Ferguson • Director
Ann Squires Ferguson is a true cross-pollinator, with twin degrees in Interior Design and Electro-Mechanical Engineering. She comes to the design industry via the Canadian Navy, where she specialized in shipboard weapons and the audio engineering field, with a focus on the Asian Karaoke market.
As CEO of Western Design + Build, Ann leads an all-female team specializing in Commercial Design + Build. An avid community connector, Ann is past chair of the Interior Designers Institute of BC, Vancouver Island Chapter; and has led Western’s engagement in multiple pro bono projects with local non-profit organizations, serving Cool Aid, Our Place, GVHS, the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Society and Habitat for Humanity. At home, Ann is a proud military spouse and parent of ten-year-old twins Daring and Danger.
Ann began serving on The Chamber's 2021 Board, and is a member of the Ambassador Committee.
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Ann Squires Ferguson is a true cross-pollinator, with twin degrees in Interior Design and Electro-Mechanical Engineering. She comes to the design industry via the Canadian Navy, where she specialized in shipboard weapons and the audio engineering field, with a focus on the Asian Karaoke market.
As CEO of Western Design + Build, Ann leads an all-female team specializing in Commercial Design + Build. An avid community connector, Ann is past chair of the Interior Designers Institute of BC, Vancouver Island Chapter; and has led Western’s engagement in multiple pro bono projects with local non-profit organizations, serving Cool Aid, Our Place, GVHS, the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Society and Habitat for Humanity. At home, Ann is a proud military spouse and parent of ten-year-old twins Daring and Danger.
Ann began serving on The Chamber's 2021 Board, and is a member of the Ambassador Committee.
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Jessica Stigant • Director
Jessica Stigant joined the University of Victoria’s world-leading, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) in 2012. As the Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships, she is responsible for building strategic relationships that expand ONC’s global presence, engaging with local, national, and international partners.
Jessica moved to Victoria as a child from Winnipeg. She briefly stepped off the Island to pursue her love of the culinary arts. Before coming to ONC, Jessica worked as the Marketing and Communications Manager for Berwick Retirement Communities, cultivating Berwick’s ‘vibrant living’ vision.
Given the world’s climate crisis, Jessica is excited about the ONC-led project Solid Carbon, a global climate mitigation solution that can help meet planetary climate targets. Jessica is leading the Investor Acceptance aspect of this international, leading-edge initiative.
Jessica was elected to The Chamber Board for 2022, and will also serve on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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Jessica Stigant joined the University of Victoria’s world-leading, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) in 2012. As the Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships, she is responsible for building strategic relationships that expand ONC’s global presence, engaging with local, national, and international partners.
Jessica moved to Victoria as a child from Winnipeg. She briefly stepped off the Island to pursue her love of the culinary arts. Before coming to ONC, Jessica worked as the Marketing and Communications Manager for Berwick Retirement Communities, cultivating Berwick’s ‘vibrant living’ vision.
Given the world’s climate crisis, Jessica is excited about the ONC-led project Solid Carbon, a global climate mitigation solution that can help meet planetary climate targets. Jessica is leading the Investor Acceptance aspect of this international, leading-edge initiative.
Jessica was elected to The Chamber Board for 2022, and will also serve on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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Josue Dubon • Director (Chair of Emerge Committee, formerly Prodigy Group)
Josue Dubon is a Co-Founder and Wealth Mentor at DesignWealth, a financial coaching service that focuses on human behaviours and accountability as individuals work towards their life and financial goals. DesignWealth was inspired by the principle that those who want to become better versions of themselves should have access to the advice to move up and onward. Josue enjoys seeing people continuously improve their position as they navigate the hurdles life throws. Josue graduated with a double major from the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and has been serving clients as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Josue is a Member of Advocis, an association of professional financial advisors in Canada that continuously strives to improve the financial aptitude of the industry. He loves to take his knowledge to the classroom where he volunteers with Junior Achievement British Columbia as a Program Facilitator to help improve the financial literacy of students.
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Josue Dubon is a Co-Founder and Wealth Mentor at DesignWealth, a financial coaching service that focuses on human behaviours and accountability as individuals work towards their life and financial goals. DesignWealth was inspired by the principle that those who want to become better versions of themselves should have access to the advice to move up and onward. Josue enjoys seeing people continuously improve their position as they navigate the hurdles life throws. Josue graduated with a double major from the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and has been serving clients as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Josue is a Member of Advocis, an association of professional financial advisors in Canada that continuously strives to improve the financial aptitude of the industry. He loves to take his knowledge to the classroom where he volunteers with Junior Achievement British Columbia as a Program Facilitator to help improve the financial literacy of students.
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Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside • Director
Captain(N) Kevin Whiteside became Commander of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in July 2023.
Kevin is the father of three awesome children, and married to his life partner, Lesley Whiteside, an elementary school teacher in Victoria, BC. Joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1998, Kevin's operational experiences span the globe and many of the missions in which the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) participate. Amongst his various operational and strategic level roles, Kevin was Executive Assistant to the 35th and 36th Commanders of the RCN (January 2019 - December 2020), and most recently he served as Commanding Officer, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver (January 2021- February 2023). Kevin’s amazing family have been active members of the Greater Victoria community for over 15 years. They look forward to furthering their involvement and strengthening their relationships with the community as they enter this next stage of their journey.
As with previous CFB Esquimalt Base Commanders, The Chamber appointed Capt.(N) Whiteside to its Board of Directors. He also serves on The Chamber's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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Captain(N) Kevin Whiteside became Commander of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in July 2023.
Kevin is the father of three awesome children, and married to his life partner, Lesley Whiteside, an elementary school teacher in Victoria, BC. Joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1998, Kevin's operational experiences span the globe and many of the missions in which the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) participate. Amongst his various operational and strategic level roles, Kevin was Executive Assistant to the 35th and 36th Commanders of the RCN (January 2019 - December 2020), and most recently he served as Commanding Officer, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver (January 2021- February 2023). Kevin’s amazing family have been active members of the Greater Victoria community for over 15 years. They look forward to furthering their involvement and strengthening their relationships with the community as they enter this next stage of their journey.
As with previous CFB Esquimalt Base Commanders, The Chamber appointed Capt.(N) Whiteside to its Board of Directors. He also serves on The Chamber's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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