Air Cadet League of Canada

The Air Cadet League of Canada is a volunteer organization that provides financial support and oversight to the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The Air Cadet League owns all of the aircraft used in the Air Cadet Gliding Program. The League is organized into three levels: the National, the Provincial, and the local level, each of which is responsible for different areas of the League.

Air Cadet League of Canada
Badge of the Air Cadet League of Canada
Active11 November 1940 – present
CountryCanada
BranchShared responsibility with the Canadian Forces
TypeYouth Organization
HeadquartersOttawa, Ontario, Canada
Motto(s)To Learn – To Serve – To Advance
Commanders
National PresidentJames Hunter CD (2019)
Aircraft flown
TrainerSchweizer SGS 2-33/2-33A, Cessna 152, Cessna 172

History

The inception of the Air Cadet League of Canada took place at the start of the Second World War when Minister of National Defence for Air, Charles G. Power, identified a need to develop a volunteer-based organization with the goal to train youth in aviation skills. The need to have young men trained and ready to support the military efforts during the Second World War was the foundation of the Air Cadet League during this formative time period. By 1940, Order-in-Council PC6647 authorized the creation of the Air Cadet Movement in Canada where the Junior (boys aged 12–14) and the Senior (boys aged 15–18) Cadet Corps began. During the early developmental stages of the League, a partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force helped boost the success of the Air Cadet Movement in Canada as a result of the availability to flying scholarships and training centres.[1]

By April 9, 1941 the Secretary of State of Canada, by way of Letters Patent, granted an official Charter which established the Air Cadet League of Canada to operate as a non-profit corporation under Part II of the Companies Act 1937. [1]

The Air Cadet Movement saw successful enrollment into the program during 1941 – 1944, reported growth four times the original enrollment numbers from 79 squadrons to 374. At the peak of the growth there were approximately 29,000 cadets enrolled. [1]

Although the initial beginnings of the Air Cadet League of Canada during the 1940s were driven by military influences and the natural progression of the cadets during that time was to support the war, present-day functionalities of the League and cadet skillsets are sought after in various types of careers in the aviation and aerospace sector.

During the post-war period, the Air Cadet Movement saw a reduction of enrollment to 15,000 cadets nationwide, which was embraced during a much-warranted time of peace in the country. Despite the decrease in enrollment numbers, the Air Cadet League of Canada continued to see the value of developing leadership and good citizen responsibilities amongst Canadian youth. The organization evolved to become a space where students could learn flight training, effective speaking, teamwork, survival, navigation, marksmanship, music, aerospace and operations skillsets. [1]

Organization

The National Office is governed by the Board of Governors, the provincial level is governed by Provincial Committees and the local level by Sponsoring Committees. [2] The Air Cadet League of Canada operates in collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces, among other partners, to spearhead non-profit driven initiatives all while keeping today’s Canadian boys and girls (between the ages of 12–18) interested in their personal and career development in aviation. The National Office is in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

As of 2018, it is reported that more than 27,000 youths are part of the Cadet Program as Air Cadets. [3]

Cadet training
Main article: Royal Canadian Air Cadets

The unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968 saw the loss of the Royal Canadian Air Force partnership while the development of a new partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces began.[4]  The Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officers, who are members of the Canadian Armed Forces, facilitate and oversee the training program of the Air Cadets.

Awards, scholarships, and programs

Cadets have access to awards, scholarships and programs as offered by the Air Cadet Program.

Gliding program

In 1965, the world’s largest gliding program launched as part of a summer camp at Penhold, Alberta. On average there are more than 50,000 glider flights each year with the opportunity of each cadet obtaining at least one familiarization flight per year. Qualifying cadets are able to obtain their Glider Pilot License from Transport Canada at the end of their participation in the training.[5]

International Air Cadet Exchange Program

The first successful exchange took place in 1947 with 46 cadets and two officers between the United Kingdom and Canada. The first exchange between Canada and the United States of America followed one year later. In subsequent years, Sweden and Canada exchanged cadets (1950), followed by Norwegian, Dutch and Danish cadets exchanging with Canada (1951).[6]

The need to continue exchange flight training knowledge between countries saw the development of the International Air Cadet Exchange Program in the 1950s. [7]

The International Air Cadet Exchange Program aims to promote friendship and understanding among participating countries and encourages cadets to focus on international affairs.

National Effective Speaking Program

Cadets are provided an opportunity to increase their self-confidence, their ability to reason, and their ability to organize and express ideas. Cadets can participate in this annual program at the local level in their squadron and compete at a regional, provincial and national level. The participating cadets prepare a 5-minute speech from a list of topics approved by the National Effective Speaking Committee and are asked to deliver a 3-minute impromptu speech while at the competition. The winning cadet is awarded a medal, a gift and a certificate of participation.[8]

Awards and scholarships

The Air Cadet League of Canada along with various partners have many scholarships[9] and awards that are offered to Royal Canadian Air Cadets.[10] Additional awards and scholarships are offered directly from partners and sponsors of the Air Cadet League of Canada beyond the list below.

Name
Continuation Flying Training Awards
Royal Canadian Legion Air Cadet of the Year Award
Air Cadet League Annual Music Awards for Excellence
Pilot Training Achievements Awards
The Young Citizens Foundation Scholarship
Birchall Scholarship
Dale Scholarship
Alex Venables Scholarship in Engineering
Jazz Scholarships
Air Cadet League of Canada Foundation Scholarships
Thomas Colfer Scholarship
National Legion Foundation Scholarship

Careers and industry influence

The Air Cadet League hosts the Triple AAA Career Expo with various industry partners, educators, trainers and companies related to aviation.[11] Some notable graduated Air Cadets are Chris Hadfield[12] and Jeremy R. Hansen.[13] The partnerships with various related organizations and industry organizations mean cadets have access to many opportunities in aviation and aerospace. Most careers in this industry are in manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul.[14]

ACLC in film

Considered a lost film by the National Film Board of Canada, director Jane Marsh produced Air Cadets on May 25, 1944 that profiled the inner workings of the Air Cadet movement.

Recognition

Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame – Awarded – Belt of Orion Awards for Excellence – 1989 [15]

National Directory

Air Commodore in Chief

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Patron

Governor General of Canada

Honorary Officers[2]

Honorary President: Maryse Carmichael

Honorary Treasurer: Bob Robert

Honorary Secretary: Leonard G. Jenks

Honorary Life Associates[2]

Robert Burchinshaw

Edmond Lanthier

Richard Logan

Arthur Macdonald

Rhodie Mercer

Robert L. Mortimer

Honorary Directors[2]

Kathleen Birchall

William Buckham

Ronald Button

Fred Sutherland

Executive Committee[2]

President: James Hunter

Past President: C. Mervin Ozirny

First Vice-President: Hille Viita

Vice-President: Thomas Taborowski

Vice-President: Marc Lacroix

Vice-President: Suzanne Madden

Board of Governors[2]

Executive Committee Plus:

Jerry Elias

Russell Gallant

Christian Stumpf

Douglas Slowski

Kevin Robinson

Roch Leblanc

Thomas Sand

Jacqueline Pepper-Journal

John Nolan

Mark Brickwood

Associates at Large

Rick Brooks

Ernest Wiesner

André Guilbault

Charles Bouchard

Michael Rehill

Raquel Lincoln

Provincial Committee Chairs[2]
Location Chairperson
Newfoundland & Labrador William Cahill
Prince Edward Island Kendra Mellish
Nova Scotia Dan Kehoe
New Brunswick Dee Davis
Quebec Yvan Roy
Ontario Mike Boyle
Manitoba Raquel Lincoln
Saskatchewan Gary Gehring
Alberta Rhonda Barraclough
British Columbia Terri Hinton
Pan Territorial Murray Adams


Past Presidents & Advisory Council[2]
James Hunter 2019-2020
C. Mervin Ozirny 2018–2019
Donald A. Berrill 2016–2018
Donald W. Doern 2015–2016
Keith Mann 2014–2015
Tom White 2013–2014
Ken Higgins 2012–2013
Bob Robert 2011–2012
Grant S. Fabes 2010–2011
Joe Johnson 2009–2010
Jan Reidulff 2008–2009
Michel Cataford 2007–2008
Craig Hawkins 2006–2007
Lionel Bourgeois 2005–2006
Guy Albert 2004–2005
Brent Wolfe 2003–2004
James Ash 2002–2003
Gilles Cuerrier 2001–2002
Ron Ilko 2000–2001
Leonard G. Jenks 1999–2000
Max W. Goldack 1998–1999
André Courville 1997–1998
Fred Hopkinson 1996–1997
J.R. Bob Goudie 1995–1996
Irene R. Doty 1994–1995
Peter P. Prescott 1993–1994
Donald P. Gladney 1992–1993
William C.F. Beattie 1991–1992
David Hayden 1990–1991
Harold M. Fowler 1989–1990
Bernard Clement 1988–1989
W.R, Ran Clerihue 1987–1988
Robert Parsons 1986–1987
Theodore E. Philipchuk 1985–1986
Walter Mildren 1984–1985
James G. McKeachie 1983–1984
Dr. Paul Kinsman 1982–1983
Cecil J. Palmer 1981–1982
Andre Dumas 1980–1981
Philip W. Hastings 1979–1980
Charles M. Konvalinka 1978–1979
Andre R. Morrisette 1977–1978
Percy H. Davis 1976–1977
Charles Baxter 1975–1976
Donald H. Arnette 1974–1975
Joseph Venis 1973–1974
Robert G. Dale 1972–1973
James T. Eaton 1971–1972
Wallace Collie 1970–1971
F.A James Laws 1969–1970
Victor Houghton 1968–1969
Edward Vopni 1967–1968
Robert F. Inch 1965–1967
Ivan B. Quinn 1963–1965
Arthur R. Smith 1961–1963
John F. Ayre 1960–1961
Hugh P. Illsely 1959–1960
J. Gustave LeDroit 1957–1959
Eric M. Duggan 1956–1957
George A.D. Will 1955–1956
H. Darroch Macgillivray 1953–1955
Harold L. Garner 1952–1953
M. Banker Bates 1951–1952
D. Alex Ross 1949–1951
C. Douglas Taylor 1947–1949
A.W. Carter 1946–1947
Arthur L. Melling 1945–1946
Donald R. MacLaren 1944–1945
George B. Foster 1941–1944

* Past Presidents with their name in bold are part of the Advisory Council.

See also

References
  1. "History". Air Cadet League of Canada. Retrieved 2019-09-10.
  2. "Organization". Air Cadet League of Canada. Retrieved 2019-08-09.
  3. Government of Canada, National Defence (2016-06-06). "Cadets Organizations | Ombudsman | National Defence and Canadian Forces | Government of Canada". www.ombudsman.forces.gc.ca. Retrieved 2019-09-12.
  4. "History: The Post-war period- 1946 to 1968. THE POST-WAR PERIOD – 1946 TO 1968". The Air Cadet League of Canada. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  5. "Advanced and Speciality Training". Canadian Cadet Organizations. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  6. Raoelimanohisoa, Sitraka (November 1, 2016). "International Air Cadet Exchange: And Adventure in Friendship". Esprit de corps. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  7. "About". International Air Cadet Exchange. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  8. "Effective Speaking Handbook" (PDF). Air Cadet League of Canada. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  9. "National Educational Scholarship". The Air Cadet League of Canada. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  10. "Awards". The Air Cadet League of Canada. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  11. "Career Expo". The Air Cadet League of Canada. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  12. "Biography of Chris Hadfield". Canadian Space Agency. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  13. "Biography of Jeremy R. Hansen". Canadian Space Agency. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  14. "Careers in Aviation and Aerospace. Employment Opportunities" (PDF). Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  15. "Belt Of Orion". Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
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