Mishall RehmanPaul Hindo, a top ranking international executive, has been appointed as the next Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Army.
“I would like to offer my personal thanks to Honorary Colonel Goldring for his distinguished service to the Canadian Army for the past six years. His dedication to and passion and support for the members of the Canadian Army will be sorely missed. I would also like to offer a warm welcome to the Canadian Army’s newest Honorary Colonel, Mr. Paul Hindo. I am certain he too will prove to be a worthy ambassador for the Canadian Army,” said Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, who made the appointment.
Hindo is a Canadian immigrant who was born in Iraq and immigrated to Montreal in 1972. Hindo has become a prominent member of the Ottawa and international business community. He spent 20 years working as a real estate agent at Cushman & Wakefield before joining the Nautical Lands Group where he also sold real estate. In 2013 his focus switched to the commercial real estate industry.
He is also well known for his philanthropic efforts in the local community.
Prior to this appointment, Hindo served as the honorary colonel of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, since 2009. He has also been awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration for his service as a Primary Reservist with The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada.
In his new role, which he will assume Dec. 1, Hindo will be responsible for fostering esprit de corps throughout the Army; advising the Commander of the Canadian Army on matters of significance to the Army, including Army charities, organizations and memorials; liaising with Army units; and strengthening the Army’s relationship with major stakeholders.
He will also participate in various ceremonial events to raise awareness of the work the Canadian Army and its soldiers carry out.
It has been a big year for Hindo, as earlier this year he won $22 million with Lotto 649.
Hindo assumes the role from Honorary Colonel Blake Goldring. Goldring was the first person to ever hold the title of Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Army. He served for a total of 12 years, six as the honorary colonel of the Canadian Army and six as the honorary colonel of the Royal Regiment of Canada.
Goldring is credited with strengthening the Canadian Army’s relationship with stakeholders and encouraging esprit de corps amongst the Army’s members.
Goldring is also the founder of the non-profit organization Canada Company that supports military members and their families, with a special focus on transition.
“My heartfelt thanks to Honorary Colonel Goldring for supporting the Canadian Army for 12 years, six of them as Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Army. He has steadfastly and routinely proven himself to be an enthusiastic and tireless advocate for the men and women who serve in the Canadian Army. His support to Canada’s military personnel and their families both at home and abroad continues through his work as founder and Chairman of Canada Company. I am confident that Honorary Colonel Hindo will represent the Canadian Army with the same high level of energy and dedication,” said LGen. Paul Wynnyk, Commander Canadian Army.
Appointing influential Canadians in honorary military positions has been a practice of the Canadian government for over a century.
The Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy also have similar programs. World-renowned musician and composer Loreena McKennitt currently serves as the RCAF’s honorary colonel while the RCN has a number of honorary captains including businesswoman and TV personality Arlene Dickinson.
