For Immediate Release
April 8, 2022
Barrett’s bill recognizes Ontario’s air, army, sea and Navy League cadets
Queen’s Park – Ontario’s Cadets will now receive ongoing recognition for their outstanding service to the province beginning this October.
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett introduced Bill 45, An Act to proclaim Ontario Cadets Week last November 4, 2021. The bill passed final reading yesterday, and will be enshrined in law Monday, April 11, upon receiving Royal Assent.
“I am thrilled that the proposed legislation received all-party support to honour our Cadets and those who support their dynamic programs,” said Barrett. “The Cadets, together with thousands of officers, instructors, and volunteers across Ontario, are highly deserving of recognition for their major role delivering these excellent programs for young people.”
Ontario Cadet Week will commence the first Saturday of October. The week will highlight Cadets, their programs, and volunteers as Corps and Squadrons begin their local training programs in the Fall. The timing ensures there will be no interference with the support Cadets provide Veterans for Remembrance Day events and ceremonies in November.
In Canada, a dynamic Cadet program exists with numerous Cadet corps and squadrons across Ontario. The Air Cadet League, Ontario Provincial Committee; the Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario); and the Navy League of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces, provide programs for air, army and sea cadets 12 to 18 years of age. The Navy League of Canada also sponsors the Navy League Cadets, a separate program for youth 9 to 12.
As a person who completed basic training at 17, MPP Barrett confirms that programs like these provide unique character-building experiences.
“Cadet programs help young people learn responsibilities for themselves and their communities—physical fitness, leadership, teamwork, civic duty—with Ontario Cadets Week we now have a forum to highlight these programs.”
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629