National Defence

The committee met to study the situation of francophones and Indigenous people in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Appearing were Grazia Scoppio, professor emerita of defence studies at the Royal Military College of Canada; Danielle Teillet, historian of Indigenous military history at the Canadian War Museum; P. Whitney Lackenbauer, professor and Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North at Trent University; and Peter Kikkert, associate professor of public policy and governance at St. Francis Xavier University.

Grazia Scoppio testified that Indigenous representation in the CAF is about 3%, below the 3.5% target and the 5% Indigenous population in Canada, and that over 50% of applicants withdraw due to a slow recruiting system. She noted that Indigenous programs like Bold Eagle and the Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year are effective but have unfilled positions and retention challenges, and that the mandatory Indigenous cultural awareness course is treated as a checkbox. She recommended a study of program gaps, in-person cultural training, and better promotion of programs in high schools and communities, and noted that the Royal Canadian Air Force lacks an Indigenous program, unlike the army and navy.

Danielle Teillet provided historical context, explaining that Indigenous people faced barriers to enlistment in both world wars due to racist policies, such as requirements for “pure European descent” in the navy and air force, and that conscription exemptions for status Indians varied. She said that after service, Indigenous veterans often faced discrimination, denial of pensions and benefits, and restrictions like the prohibition on alcohol sales that excluded them from Legion activities, creating a legacy of distrust that still affects recruitment today. She emphasized that understanding this history is key to improving CAF engagement with Indigenous members.

P. Whitney Lackenbauer argued that the Canadian Rangers are a successful example of substantive Indigenous-Crown partnership, with Indigenous participation rates above 5% when properly counted, contrary to official statistics that underrepresent them. He said the Rangers are force multipliers who provide local knowledge for northern operations, and that the focus should be on supporting existing Rangers with more resources and training opportunities rather than solely increasing numbers. He disagreed with the premise that there are not enough Rangers, and recommended re-examining statistics and prioritizing Ranger support staff and equipment to enable more land-based activities.

Peter Kikkert testified that the Canadian Rangers are a critical emergency response asset in remote and Indigenous communities, responding to wildfires, floods, search and rescue, and other crises, but face barriers in activation, training, and support. He recommended clarifying authorities to streamline activation for emergencies, increasing and sustaining training in areas like wilderness first aid and search and rescue, and improving support for the mental health of Rangers who often assist family and neighbours in traumatic incidents. He noted that a memorandum of understanding between the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and the Ontario Provincial Police could serve as a model for other jurisdictions.

The committee discussed recruitment and retention challenges, with Scoppio noting that the CAF’s general recruiting system is slow and that Indigenous members sometimes face casual racism and tokenism. Teillet added that generational impacts from historical discrimination, such as family warnings not to enlist, persist. Lackenbauer and Kikkert emphasized the value of the Rangers in northern defence and emergency response, with Kikkert highlighting the need for better integration with civilian agencies and more consistent training. Scoppio also noted that the CAF’s apology for systemic racism is a positive step but that deeper cultural change is needed.

No procedural debate, motions, or votes occurred during the meeting.