Joe Foote
Class of 1992 (Respiratory Therapy)
2020 - Friend of New Brunswick Award Recipient
Officer. Respiratory Therapist. Entrepreneur. Pilot. Leader.
These are just some of the words to describe Joe Foote, a 1992 graduate of the Respiratory Therapy program at NBCC Saint John Campus. The owner of Quality Respiratory Care, a home respiratory care company providing services to clients throughout New Brunswick,
Joe is also a former Lieutenant-colonel in the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve, a private pilot, and an animal welfare volunteer.
Joe’s army career began in 1983 when he joined the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, the Loyal Company, and trained as a gunner. He entered artillery officer training 1985 and served the regiment in various capacities for the next 25 years.
Prior to commanding the 3rd Field (The Loyal Company) Artillery Regiment, RCA, he held the position of Assistant Chief of Staff for 37 Canadian Brigade Headquarters. After his command of the Regiment from 2001 to 2005, Joe formed the first
domestic operations planning team, which was a new role for the primary reserve. As Domestic Operations Officer for Atlantic Canada, he and his team were responsible for planning contingencies where the Canadian Forces might be asked to assist civilian
authorities, such as floods. Joe retired from the Primary Reserves in 2008.
At the same time, in his civilian life, Joe was building his business and becoming a leader in the field of respiratory care. Since opening in 1997, Quality Respiratory Care has grown to five offices throughout New Brunswick and 21 employees. Joe has
taken a leadership role in the field of respiratory care, helping develop the first national competencies for the profession and writing a handbook for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Joe also finds time to give back to his community, providing services to veterinary clinics. A licensed pilot, he has also donated his time to transport displaced animals.
He has been a 17-year volunteer with the Corps of Commissionaires (NB & PEI Division) and sits on the Board of Governors, serving as board chair from 2014-2016. He is a recipient of the national Commissionaires Distinguished Service Medal and holds
the prestigious title of Commissionaire Distinguished.
Joe continues to maintain a strong commitment to NBCC. Over the years, he has hired more than 20 NBCC graduates, and is a perennial practicum site for Respiratory Therapy students. He has also donated equipment and oxygen to NBCC’s community respiratory care research project.