Investing in Education, Building Futures

September 29, 2026

Division Bursary Program

At Commissionaires Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Division, we believe that investing in the future is one of the greatest acts of service. Our Division Bursary Program exists to do just that – to support the academic dreams of commissionaires and their families.

Within our Division, this bursary offers a tangible way to say, “we see you, we believe in you, and we are committed to supporting your success.” Each year, recipients are selected not only for their scholastic promise but for their character, leadership and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. They may be serving commissionaires, their children, grandchildren or other eligible family members pursuing post‑secondary education in a wide range of fields.

Since the Division established the bursary program in 2015, we have supported 42 employees and family members with approximately $72,000 in funding toward their academic goals. This year, seven recipients have each been awarded a $2,000 bursary to support their studies during the 2026/2027 academic year.

Meet Our 2026/2027 Recipients

Cmre Ehsanullah Ariyan – Practical Nurse Diploma, NorQuest College

Cmre Ariyan is pursuing a Practical Nurse Diploma at NorQuest College, building on the experience he gained serving others through his work with Commissionaires. His time in the security field strengthened his communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills and reinforced his desire to pursue a career centred on helping people. Following graduation, he hopes to work as a nurse in a hospital or community healthcare setting and continue advancing his nursing education in the future.

Cmre Benjamin Duncan – Practical Nurse Diploma, NorQuest College

While working full-time with Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division, Cmre Duncan is completing his Practical Nurse program part-time through NorQuest College. His goal is to transition into nursing full-time after graduation and eventually continue his education to become a Registered Nurse. Balancing full-time employment, part-time work and his studies, Cmre Duncan says the bursary will help offset tuition costs as he continues working toward his career goals.

Ahmed Fayad – Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations Certificate, SAIT

Ahmed, son of RCMP Guard Otto Fayad, is pursuing SAIT’s Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations Certificate with the goal of building a long-term career in an essential public service. Through the program, he is working toward qualifications in water and wastewater treatment and power engineering, with plans to continue advancing his certifications throughout his career. He hopes to contribute to protecting public health and the environment and, eventually, provide valuable services to rural Alberta communities.

Cmre Beniyam Gebreyohannes – Psychiatric Nursing Diploma, MacEwan University

Now in his second year of Psychiatric Nursing at MacEwan University, Cmre Gebreyohannes is developing the clinical skills and knowledge needed to support individuals and families affected by mental illness. His goal is to become a compassionate psychiatric nurse who advocates for people experiencing mental health challenges and helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. The bursary will help him balance the financial demands of full-time studies and raising a young family while continuing his clinical training.

Khloe Pugh – Engineering Design and Architectural Technology Diploma, Medicine Hat College

Khloe, daughter of RCMP Guard Sheila Pugh, is in her second year of the Engineering Design and Architectural Technology Diploma program at Medicine Hat College. As she continues her post-secondary education and professional development, the bursary will help ease some of the financial costs associated with her studies and allow her to focus more fully on working toward her academic and career goals.

Zainab Sonko – Practical Nurse Diploma, NorQuest College

Zainab, niece of Cmre Kodou Ndow, is studying to become a Licensed Practical Nurse through NorQuest College. After completing her diploma and obtaining her licence, she hopes to gain experience in healthcare before continuing her education toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse. Zainab is committed to developing strong clinical and communication skills and ultimately building a career centred on compassionate care and making a positive difference in the health and well-being of others.

Jaxon Stokes – Bachelor of Kinesiology/Bachelor of Education, University of Alberta

Jaxon, son of RCMP Guard Megan Stokes, is pursuing a combined Bachelor of Kinesiology and Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. His long-term goal is to return to the Spirit River area as a teacher with a focus on physical education. An active volunteer coach and basketball and volleyball referee, Jaxon hopes to bring his passion for sport into the classroom and introduce future students to a wide range of athletic opportunities.