Maggie Birtch

Chief Petty Officer Second Class Maggie Birtch enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1985 at HMCS YORK while attending the University of Toronto. She attended the School of Music at CFB Esquimalt and again at CFB Borden. As a Master Seamen, she exhausted all the courses available at the in her trade, and was offered a chance to extend her skills into Recruiting and Security Departments, of the CF.

In 1988 she graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music in Music Education and subsequently applied for her post graduate Bachelor’s of Education degree the following year. In 2002, she was appointed as HMCS YORK’s Regulating Petty Officer where she worked for three years. In that time CPO2 Birtch was Chief Clerk on exercises, including supporting Port Security Unit 4 during Exercise SEAHAWK in the state of Washington.

In 2005, CPO2 Birtch completed her Intermediate Leadership Qualification (ILQ) and returned to the YORK Band Department in the appointment of Band Chief. She traveled with the National Band of the Naval Reserve as the Director of Music touring all over Canada.

She proudly accepted her appointment as Coxswain of HMCS YORK in July of 2009 and worked tirelessly in preparation for the 100th Anniversary of the Navy Celebrations including the historical Freedom of the City Parade to Nathan Philips Square in Toronto. Each summer she continued conducting and touring Canada with the National Band of the Naval Reserve and especially remembers the pride she had performing for the 400th Celebrations in Quebec City.

In 2011 PO1 Birtch completed her Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) and was subsequently promoted to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class at the Royal Military College in St Jean. On July 15th, 2012, CPO2 Maggie Birtch was appointed by Naval Reserve Headquarters (in Quebec City) to the position of Occupational Advisor for the Musician Trade in Canada. She worked for 7 years redeveloping trade training expectations and the implementation of Regenerative Trade Requirements (RTRs).

Since returning to YORK in 2018, CPO2 Birtch managed both the Training and Logistics Department as Chief. As part of her portfolio as Special Projects Chief, CPO2 Birtch established the York Association creating a network of members and alumni to support the Ship’s Company in its endeavours to train and protect Canada. As the Archives Manager, she established the HMCS YORK Museum in order to preserve and protect YORK’s precious historical artifacts as well as opening a Kit-shop and canteen improve the daily lives of it’s members.

In 2022 she joined the Operations department managing NAVComms, NCIOPs and Port Inspection Divers. She revitalized the department’s quest to create a modern training OPCEN platform and Implemented it in 2023.

In 2023, CPO2 Birtch was key in the development of celebration events for the 100th Anniversary of the Naval Reserve and HMCS YORK, and was acknowledged in the House of Commons in Jan 2023. She subsequently received the King’s Coronation Medal for her years of planning and work.

In her civilian life, CPO2 Birtch is a Music & Science Teacher with the York Regional District School Board; (Ontario), a member of the Naval Club, Naval Assoc of Canada and an Executive member in her local Royal Canadian Legion. She continues to serve as President of the YORK Association and volunteers as the Archives Manager at HMCS YORK managing the restoration of artifacts with the help of Museum Study Interns. She is a volunteer with the Markham Fair Committee and the Horse Rescue Angels. She currently resides in Stouffville, Ontario with her husband and daughter.