foreword
From the very beginning, change has been a constant theme in Defence Construction Canada’ s history. Our Corporation was born in the post-World War II era that brought about massive technological, political and social change across all continents, nations and cultures. In the decades that followed, we and the Department of National Defence have responded to every challenge placed before us by the Canadian government as it exercised its role on the international stage as a NATO member, as peacekeepers and as combatants.
As we celebrate our 60th anniversary year, our ability to not only respond to continuing challenges but to proactively manage them is built on a sound foundation of our values: dedication, fairness and competence. No matter what we have faced, these values— put into place from the earliest days by our first president, Dick Johnson— have remained true over time. The stories within this book demonstrate how the Corporation has endured because, guided by these tenets, our employees have always shown a level of innovation and tenacity that exceeded the demands of the day.
From early warning stations in the Arctic to powergenerating projects in India and Pakistan, from the island-building of Expo 67 to the dusty fields of Afghanistan, we have gone wherever we were needed— most often in collaboration with our Client-Partner, DND, and always at the forefront of construction and project management techniques. Ours is a history that spans more than half a century. It crosses continents. Anchored in the construction industry, it is focused on serving both client and contractor— and it is this focus on service that is guiding our future.
The theme of change is not restricted to the sometimes tumultuous historical events of the 20th century. In more recent history, Defence Construction Canada has evolved from an organization focused primarily on civil engineering technology and management to one that is widely diverse in its services: environmental and project management, facilities management, operational support and more. Fundamentally, we have shifted from a budget allocation process to a funding model based solely on the value of the services we provide. In that, we are a unique combination of Crown corporation and entrepreneurial spirit— a combination that I believe has done much to strengthen and serve our partnership with DND.
This collection of stories shows where we began and how we progressed to the present day. But more than a progression of the years, it preserves the personal experiences of some of the people who guided us on the journey. The Corporation and Canada have been well served by a remarkable group of dedicated and accomplished individuals over 60 years of public service. To recognize and preserve their contributions, we have tried within this publication to capture the spirit and tradition of the Corporation through the anecdotes and recollections of our people, rather than simply consolidating the facts and statistics found in our Annual Reports. Through their voices, we gain a sense of the culture and traditions that we are still building upon today. May we always live up to the quality and the dedication of those who have gone before us.
Robert Presser Chair, Board of Directors Defence Construction Canada
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