KINGSTON, HMCS HARRY DEWOLF: Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), participated in the Royal Canadian Navy’s Great Lakes Day Sail aboard HMCS Harry DeWolf, at the invitation of Commander Jon Nicholson. He joined the ship’s Command Team, crew members, and other distinguished guests during this special engagement.

As the lead vessel in Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) program, HMCS Harry DeWolf plays a critical role in safeguarding Canadian sovereignty amid rising maritime activity within its exclusive economic zones, particularly in the North. The ship is designed to operate in diverse environments, ranging from the Arctic to tropical waters, and is capable of supporting a wide range of missions including armed surveillance, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief, both domestically and abroad.

The Day Sail provided a valuable opportunity to highlight Canada’s modern naval capabilities, while also reinforcing the enduring connection between Canada’s maritime heritage and its evolving national defence priorities.

The Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project, whose mission is to preserve and promote the legacy of the Allied Merchant Navy and Canadian maritime service, continues to emphasize the importance of national awareness and engagement, particularly through public service and recruitment. The values embodied by modern naval personnel echo the traditions of service, duty, and sacrifice upheld by Canada’s wartime merchant mariners.

With today's increasingly complex global environment, Canada’s future security depends on the development of a new generation of committed individuals ready to serve. The MNCTP underscores the urgency of building awareness among youth and encouraging them to explore meaningful careers within the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard.

The HMCS Harry DeWolf symbolizes not only naval strength, but also national continuity—linking past, present, and future in the shared pursuit of maritime excellence and the defence of Canadian values at sea.