Meet Base Administration’s Gail Whitcroft

2Lt Jamie Boparai
Base Administration
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Gail Whitcroft isn’t just your first point of contact at the Base Personnel Selection Office (BPSO). As the Administrative Assistant to the unit, she is the one that ensures your file ends up in the right hands.

One example that showcases her dedication to the military member was during active posting season 2019. A military member was being posted to CFB Trenton and had applied for the Special Commissioning Plan. Whitcroft arranged for an immediate interview so his file would be complete before departure.

Despite the member’s posting and subsequent application file transfer to Trenton, she remained the member’s point of contact. There was a significant amount of administration involved as the member required a medical waiver approval before selection.

“My favourite part of my job is interacting with members and seeing them be successful. I really enjoy when they return to tell me they succeeded in reaching their goals,” she says.

Her connection to the navy runs deep, even though she was never a member herself.

“My husband worked for DND for 36 years at Base Construction Engineering, now called Real Property Operations. He was a carpenter by trade and worked in every building on the base.”

Whitcroft was also employed with DND 10 years ago in a casual position before joining Service Canada. She spent eight years as the Program Service and Delivery Clerk, specializing in finance and accounting. Currently, for the last two years, she has been working at the BPSO and is the only civilian employee.

“The biggest challenge in working with service members is the constant turnover. When new staff arrive they often have their own expectations on how things should be run. You have to be prepared for constant change in my position and just roll with it. This year my team is amazing and I really enjoy working with them.” 

COVID-19 has brought challenges with how the BPSO runs.

“Our business is largely about occupation transfers for military members. COVID-19 has also impacted the transition services that we provide for members leaving the CAF. We used to run SCAN seminars, but because of the pandemic it is now online. However, for the ill and injured it is better face-to-face.”

In-person interviews are limited, with only one person booked at a time. Whitcroft still gets to communicate with members over the phone and through email, but members are not able to enjoy her exceptional in-person service, flexibility, and humour. All of which she considers an essential part of her position.

For 12 years now, she has spent her personal time as a competitive ballroom dancer. She has even represented Canada on the world stage in Spain.

“I received quite a few awards for my dancing over the years. I have a studio full of medals and trophies.”

Just before she began dancing competitively, Whitcroft was diagnosed with cancer, and six weeks after recovery her husband was also diagnosed. Thankfully, they are now both cancer-free, which has inspired them to live life to the fullest.

“I will probably retire next year and dedicate my life to ballroom dancing and fitness.”

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