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3. Women's History Month

Women's History Month 2011

Biography of Marie Louise Fish

Photo credit : Marie Louise Fish.

Name: Marie Louise Fish
Role: Sea naval officer
Canadian Military Contribution: First woman to serve as a naval officer at sea

Marie Louise Fish is a trailblazer for women in non-traditional roles, particularly in the Canadian Forces, where her career began in 1974.

Louise's military career reflects many women's "firsts," including being the first woman to: serve as a naval officer at sea, as part of a pilot project to employ women in previously all-male naval units; qualify and serve as a ship's diving officer; and participate in the Canadian contingent in the rigorous annual 160-kilometre, four-day Nijmegen March, in commemoration of the liberation of the Netherlands.

Louise served at sea at a time when there were very few women in the Canadian Navy, and underwent arduous training alongside her male counterparts.

Upon retirement from the military, Louise entered the field of security administration, becoming the first woman to serve as president of the Ontario Association of College and University Security Administrators. At the Royal Military College, and at Queen's and Trent universities, Louise developed policies and practices to enhance women's safety, and increased the representation of women on security staff.

Louise lives in Elgin, Ontario.

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Date Modified:

2011-10-03