As the Canadian Armed Forces continues its presence in Latvia, so does DCC’s support of its Client-Partners and the DCC staff deployed there.
In November 2025, Scott McRae, Specialist, National Corporate and Operational Health and Safety, and Maria Drake, Regional Service Line Leader, Environmental Services, National Services Region, spent a week in Latvia conducting environmental and health and safety monitoring of DCC operations.
Scott and Maria met with the 11-person deployed DCC team, engaged with team members from the Canadian Joint Operations Command—the local Client-Partner—and visited five sites, including Lielvārde Air Base, and camps Ceri and Ādaži.
“It’s clear that environmental protection is important here—it’s part of the culture from planning through execution,” Maria says.
These environmental observations complemented the health and safety insights gathered during the week‑long visit.
“To me, health and safety is rooted in strong relationships and psychological safety—not just physical safety,” says Scott, “so checking in with employees and the Client-Partners to better understand what’s needed to enhance their well-being is essential.”
As happens during any monitoring visit, opportunities to improve came to light. But, overall, the work is being carried out to a very high standard, Scott says, noting that there is a strong health and safety culture not only at DCC but also among Latvian contractors.
Visiting just before the holidays, with DCC’s deployed team members working long hours and far from their families, the dedication, positivity and pride in DCC’s service to the Client‑Partners was evident, Scott recalls.
In addition to ensuring that DCC continues to deliver high-quality services to the Client-Partners, the trip “was a reminder of the professionalism and commitment DCC employees bring to their work every day,” Scott says.