FROM THE CO: AIR CADET GLIDING PROGRAM |
FROM THE CO:
There
has recently been a great deal of public discussion and speculation, about
possible cuts facing the Cadet Program beginning next year. This was only
reasonable to anticipate, in view of significant funding reductions across the
entire Canadian Forces. The Air Cadet League had already been advised by its
DND partners to expect that the Air Cadet Program would be expected to absorb
its share.
Air Cadet Gliding Program, in particular, is a very expensive operation and was
considered early-on for reduction or even elimination. Discussions were also
underway on the feasibility of reducing advanced training opportunities (e.g.,
International Exchange and Technical Training Courses), which involve a high
per capita cost because of the smaller numbers of Cadets involved. Everything
was supposed to be on the table for discussion, with the last resort – as
always – being to reduce support at the Squadron level.
The
Program still is likely to face some reductions; however, the following statement
by the Minister of National Defence last week was very upbeat about the future
of the Cadet Program:
Statement by the Honourable Peter MacKay,
Minister of
National Defence
NR – 13.130 - May 1,
2013
OTTAWA - The
Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following
statement concerning the Cadet Program:
“Cadet organizations
across Canada play an important role in promoting good citizenship, leadership,
community service and physical fitness among young Canadians. I believe in the
merits of this program and the benefits it provides to Canadian communities are
unparalleled. In fact, the Cadet Program is the best youth development program
in Canada. As I informed the House of Commons, "I can assure the House
that the Cadet Program will continue to enjoy the important use of
gliders." There are to be no reductions in resources allocated to the
Cadet glider program or any Cadet Program. The Cadet Program is here to stay.”
In
the meantime, your Officers have been instructed by our CO, LCol MacMillan (who
was our Reviewing Officer last year), to continue to deliver the ‘most
dynamic program possible in the fun, safe and positive environment that
represents Central Region.’
I will keep you
updated on any changes facing the Program, if and when they become factual and
reliable. In the meantime, it’s business
as usual – including a full Ground School Program next Fall.
D.S.
Brown
Capt
CO
700
RCAirCS