96-550: Mewata Armoury is a Canadian Forces reserve armoury in Calgary , Alberta, Canada. Mewata ( / m ə ˈ w ɑː t ə / mə- WAH -tə is derived from the Cree word ᒥᔭᐋᐧᑕᒼ ( miyawâtam ), meaning "Oh, be joyful". The building was built between 1915 and 1918 for an original cost of CA$ 282,051 (equivalent to $ 4,978,676 in 2023). The building was designed by Thomas W. Fuller ( Department of Public Works Architect) and
192-672: A Mayor and twelve Aldermen to sit on the twenty-ninth Calgary City Council from January 2, 1914 to January 2, 1915. Additionally a Commissioner, two trustees for the Public School Board , three trustees for the Separate School Board , two bylaws regarding the term and remuneration of Aldermen and a plebislicte on whether to donate the Mewata Park to the Dominion Government for the site of
288-648: A Tudor / Gothic Revival style. A classic example of armoury design, Mewata has features deliberately bringing to mind a medieval fortress or castle, including four square corner towers, four smaller six sided towers, and buttresses with turrets and a crenellated roofline. The original design featured a large central drill hall with 117 rooms (two storeys of soldiers quarters) arranged around its perimeter. The basement included bowling alleys and 30 yard shooting ranges. The facility also included officers' and sergeants' billiard rooms. Barracks have been altered in recent years to serve as offices and storage space. A catwalk around
384-604: A Brigadier-General, the Director General Cyber (DG Cyber). Within that directorate, the newly established CAF Cyber Task Force has been tasked to design and build cyber warfare capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces. The Royal Canadian Medical Service is a personnel branch of the CAF, consisting of all members of medical occupations. The Royal Canadian Dental Corps is a personnel branch of
480-603: A central position in the Canadian Armed Forces . The National Defence Act states that "the Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada, consisting of one service called the Canadian Armed Forces" and the Constitution Act, 1867 , vests command-in-chief of the Forces in the country's sovereign , who, since 1904, has authorized his or her viceroy , the governor general , to exercise
576-514: A deployed Joint Task Force through Canadian Joint Operations Command . On September 26, 2024, Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) was established. The Canadian Armed Forces have a total reserve force of approximately 50,000 primary and supplementary that can be called upon in times of national emergency or threat. For the components and sub-components of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force,
672-407: A private bill for the purpose of enabling the transfer which was overwhelming defeated by the majority Liberal provincial government. Eventually a plebiscite was held alongside the 1913 Calgary municipal election in which the electorate was asked whether to transfer "a small portion of Mewata Park of approximately 90,000 square feet", in which more than 70% of ratepayers voted in favor of transferring
768-692: A site near the old hospital building. It is very unsuitable. If Calgary wants a $ 50,000 building it can get it by not providing a decent site. If, on the other hand Mewata Park is available, Calgary will obtain an armory that will be second to none in Western Canada. By 1913 the Mewata Park land had become a civic issue in Calgary, opposed by labour groups which had previously seen the federal government use militia to crush strikes in Cape Breton and Vancouver Island. Calgary Mayor Herbert Arthur Sinnott
864-701: A sub-component of approximately 5,000 Canadian Rangers. Canada's peacekeeping role during the 20th century has played a major role in its positive global image. Canada has long been reluctant to participate in military operations that are not sanctioned by the United Nations (UN), such as the Vietnam War or the 2003 invasion of Iraq . Since the 21st century, Canadian direct participation in UN peacekeeping efforts greatly declined, with its military participation reallocated to UN-sanctioned operations through
960-615: Is a formation capable of operating independently but primarily focused on generating special operations forces (SOF) elements to support CJOC. The command includes Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) based at CFB Trenton, as well as the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) and 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS) based at CFB Petawawa. Among other things,
1056-686: Is an operational element established in October 2012 with the merger of Canada Command , the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and the Canadian Operational Support Command . The new command, created as a response to the cost-cutting measures in the 2012 federal budget, combines the resources, roles and responsibilities of the three former commands under a single headquarters. The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM)
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#17328025974441152-1087: Is headed by the commander of the Canadian Army and is administered through four divisions—the 2nd Canadian Division , the 3rd Canadian Division , the 4th Canadian Division and the 5th Canadian Division —the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training System and the Canadian Army Headquarters. Currently, the Regular Force component of the Army consists of three field-ready brigade groups : 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group , at CFB Edmonton and CFB Shilo ; 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group , at CFB Petawawa and CFB Gagetown ; and 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group , at CFB Valcartier and Quebec City . Each contains one regiment of artillery , armour , and combat engineers , three battalions of infantry (all scaled in
1248-648: Is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. 1 Canadian Air Division operations are carried out through eleven wings located across Canada. The commander of 2 Canadian Air Division is responsible for training and support functions. 2 Canadian Air Division operations are carried out at two wings. 3 Canadian Space Division is responsible for delivering space power effects in support of Canadian Armed Forces operations, including space domain awareness, space-based support of military operations, and defending and protecting military space capabilities. Wings represent
1344-947: Is still used to refer to part-time members. Canadian Forces entered the Second World War in September 1939, after the Canadian Crown-in-Council declared war on Nazi Germany . Battles and campaigns during the Second World War that was particularly notable to the Canadian military include the Battle of the Atlantic , the Battle of Britain , the Battle of Hong Kong , the Dieppe Raid , the invasion of Sicily and Italy , Operation Overlord ,
1440-549: Is usually a major-general or rear-admiral , and is divided into four components that are each operationally and administratively responsible to its corresponding environmental command in the Regular Force—the Naval Reserve (NAVRES), Land Force Reserve (LFR), and Air Reserve (AIRRES)—in addition to one force that does not fall under an environmental command, the Health Services Reserve under
1536-588: The Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms . As a result of these reviews, the department changed its policies to permit women to serve at sea in replenishment ships and a diving tender, with the army service battalions, in military police platoons and field ambulance units, and most air squadrons. In 1987, occupations and units with the primary role of preparing for direct involvement in combat on
1632-482: The 1997 Red River flood to help with evacuation, building dikes, and other flood-fighting efforts. The operation was considered a "public relations bonanza" for the military. The Forces were also deployed after the North American ice storm of 1998 , with relief efforts beginning on 8 January, after the provinces of New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec requested aid. Over 16,000 troops were deployed, making it
1728-612: The 2nd Canadian Division each have two Reserve Force brigade groups, while the 4th Canadian Division and the 3rd Canadian Division each have three Reserve Force brigade groups. Major training and support establishments exist at CFB Gagetown , CFB Montreal and CFB Wainwright . The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is headed by the commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force . The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region , based in Winnipeg ,
1824-408: The 63rd Grey Cup parade, twenty marching bands were marshalled in the drill hall. The building has a cut stone foundation with a structure of red brick (common bond with steel reinforcement) and sandstone. The drill hall is significant for the large uninterrupted span of its steel trusses. A second story on the west side was added some time after original construction. The building was designed in
1920-706: The Canadian Forces Health Services Group . The Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) consists of officers and non-commissioned members who conduct training, safety, supervision and administration of nearly 60,000 cadets aged 12 to 18 years in the Canadian Cadet Organization . The majority of members in COATS are officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) branch of
2016-634: The Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu . Officers will generally either directly enter the Canadian Armed Forces with a degree from a civilian university or receive their commission upon graduation from the Royal Military College of Canada . Specific element and trade training is conducted at a variety of institutions throughout Canada, and to a lesser extent,
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#17328025974442112-560: The Canadian Royal Family also act as colonels-in-chief , honorary air commodores , air commodores-in-chief , admirals, and captains-general of Canadian Forces units, though these positions are ceremonial. The Canadian Forces operate out of 27 Canadian Forces bases (CFB) across the country, including NDHQ. This number has been gradually reduced since the 1970s with bases either being closed or merged. Both officers and non-commissioned members receive their basic training at
2208-487: The Canadian Special Operations Regiment . More funds were also put towards recruitment, which had been dwindling throughout the 1980s and 1990s, possibly because the Canadian populace had come to perceive the Forces as peacekeepers rather than as soldiers, as shown in a 2008 survey conducted by the Department of National Defence. The poll found that nearly two-thirds of Canadians agreed with the country's participation in
2304-682: The Fenian raids , Red River Rebellion , and North-West Rebellion . Consequently, the lineages of some Canadian Army units stretch back to the late 18th century, when militia units were formed to assist in the defence of British North America against invasion by the United States. The responsibility for military command remained with the British Crown - in-Council , with a commander-in-chief for North America stationed in Halifax until
2400-470: The Mewata Armouries was included on the ballot. Incumbent Mayor Herbert Arthur Sinnott was elected by acclimation on the close of nominations on December 1, 1913. The election was held under multiple non-transferable vote where each elector was able to cast a ballot for the mayor, commissioner and 12 for Aldermen who were elected at-large with the city as one large district. Starting in
2496-617: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Prior to Confederation in 1867, residents of the colonies in what is now Canada served as regular members of French and British forces and in local militia groups . The latter aided in the defence of their respective territories against attacks by other European powers, Indigenous peoples , and later American forces during the American Revolutionary War and War of 1812 , as well as in
2592-721: The Regular Force or the Reserve Force, which has four sub-components: the Primary Reserve , Supplementary Reserve , Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service , and the Canadian Rangers . Under the National Defence Act , the Canadian Armed Forces are an entity separate and distinct from the Department of National Defence (the federal government department responsible for
2688-491: The Siegfried Line Campaign , Operation Veritable , as well as the strategic bombing of German cities . At the end of the Second World War, Canada possessed the fourth-largest air force and fifth-largest naval surface fleet in the world. Conscription for overseas service was introduced only near the end of the war , and only 2,400 conscripts made it into battle. Originally, Canada was thought to have had
2784-532: The advice of his or her ministers in Cabinet , including the prime minister and minister of national defence, who are accountable to the elected House of Commons . The Canadian Forces' 92,600 personnel are divided into a hierarchy of numerous ranks of officers and non-commissioned members . The governor general appoints, on the advice of the prime minister, the chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) as
2880-440: The 1913 election Aldermen were elected to two year terms, with half of council's term expiring each year. To facilitate this change the six candidates with the most votes were elected to Council for a two-year term, and the next six candidates were elected to a one-year term. The 1911 Canadian federal election , the previous Liberal government under Wilfrid Laurier was toppled by Robert Borden's Conservative Party. Sam Hughes
2976-733: The 1950s, the recruitment of women was open to roles in medicine, communication, logistics, and administration. The roles of women in the CAF began to expand in 1971 after the department reviewed the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women , at which time it lifted the ceiling of 1,500 women personnel, and gradually expanded employment opportunities into the non-traditional areas—vehicle drivers and mechanics, aircraft mechanics, air-traffic controllers, military police, and firefighters. The department further reviewed personnel policies in 1978 and 1985, after Parliament passed
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3072-427: The 1990s, the introduction of women into the combat arms increased the potential recruiting pool by about 100 percent. Women were fully integrated into all occupations and roles by the government of Jean Chrétien , and by 8 March 2000, even allowed to serve on submarines. All equipment must be suitable for a mixed-gender force. Combat helmets, rucksacks, combat boots, and flak jackets are designed to ensure women have
3168-588: The British fashion), one battalion for logistics , a squadron for headquarters / signals , and several smaller support organizations. A tactical helicopter squadron and a field ambulance are co-located with each brigade but do not form part of the brigade's command structure. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Canadian Divisions each have a Regular Force brigade group, and each division except the 1st has two to three Reserve Force brigades groups. In total, there are ten Reserve Force brigade groups. The 5th Canadian Division and
3264-486: The CAF. The Health Services Group is a joint formation that includes over 120 general or specialized units and detachments providing health services to the Canadian Armed Forces. With few exceptions, all elements are under command of the Commander, who may also be appointed Surgeon General when the position is filled by a medical officer, for domestic support and force generation, or temporarily assigned under command of
3360-937: The CAF. Members of the Reserve Force Sub-Component COATS who are not employed part-time (Class A) or full-time (Class B) may be held on the "Cadet Instructor Supplementary Staff List" (CISS List) in anticipation of employment in the same manner as other reservists are held as members of the Supplementary Reserve. The Canadian Rangers , who provide surveillance and patrol services in Canada's arctic and other remote areas, are an essential reserve force component used for Canada's exercise of sovereignty over its northern territory. 1913 Calgary municipal election Herbert Arthur Sinnott Herbert Arthur Sinnott The 1913 Calgary municipal election took place on December 8, 1913 to elect
3456-478: The Canadian Armed Forces dates from 1 February 1968, when the Royal Canadian Navy , Canadian Army , and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged into a unified structure and superseded by elemental commands, known as Air Command, Land Force, and Maritime Command. On 16 August 2011, the names for the three elemental commands were reverted to their historical predecessor, although the unified structure of
3552-944: The Canadian Armed Forces was maintained. Deployment of Land Forces during this period has included NATO efforts in Europe, peacekeeping operations within United Nations-sanctioned conflicts and combat missions. The Canadian Forces deployed in Afghanistan until 2011, under the NATO-led United Nations International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), at the request of the Government of Afghanistan. The Forces have also deployed domestically to provide aid during emergencies and natural disasters. Over 8,500 military personnel were sent to Manitoba after
3648-634: The Canadian Forces Aptitude Test. However, Brigadier-General Virginia Tattersall (commander of military forces generation, including the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group [CFRG]) said, "There are no occupations that we restrict based on gender", though "diversity is a consideration" and near the end of the recruiting year, "We will look at diversity applicants first." In March 2021, Lieutenant-Colonel Eleanor Taylor resigned citing sexual misconduct among
3744-951: The Canadian Forces Electronic Warfare Centre (CFEWC), the Canadian Forces Network Operations Centre (CFNOC), the Canadian Forces Signals Intelligence Operations Centre (CFSOC), the Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Leitrim , and the 764 Communications Squadron. In June 2011 the Canadian Armed Forces Chief of Force Development announced the establishment of a new organization, the Directorate of Cybernetics, headed by
3840-662: The Canadian military include the Second Battle of Ypres , the Battle of the Somme , the Battle of Vimy Ridge , the Second Battle of Passchendaele , as well as a series of attacks undertaken by the Canadian Corps during the Hundred Days Offensive . During this period, a distinctly Canadian army and navy were established, followed by an air force, that, because of the constitutional arrangements at
3936-577: The City requested the Legislative Assembly pass a private bill for the purpose of enabling the transfer which was overwhelming defeated by the majority Liberal provincial government. Eventually a plebiscite was held alongside the 1913 Calgary municipal election in which the electorate was asked whether to transfer "a small portion of Mewata Park of approximately 90,000 square feet", in which more than 70% of ratepayers voted in favor of transferring
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4032-628: The First World War, Mewata was used as an induction and training centre and a demobilization depot for returning soldiers. In addition to military uses, other groups and organizations have always used the armoury including a military ball for the Prince of Wales in 1919, the scene of a verbal confrontation between William Aberhart and Major C. H. Douglas founder of Social Credit . The Calgary Police Service and Calgary Fire Department have often used it for training purposes. In 1975, prior to
4128-456: The Forces. Canada has served in over 50 peacekeeping missions, including every United Nations (UN) peacekeeping effort from its inception until 1989. More than 125,000 Canadians have served in international peacekeeping operations, with approximately 130 Canadians having died during these operations. Canada's strong support for multilateralism and internationalism has been closely related to its peacekeeping efforts. Canada's role in
4224-840: The Information Management Group is responsible for the conduct of electronic warfare and the protection of the Armed Forces' communications and computer networks. Within the group, this operational role is fulfilled by the Canadian Forces Information Operations Group, headquartered at CFS Leitrim in Ottawa, which operates the following units: the Canadian Forces Information Operations Group Headquarters (CFIOGHQ),
4320-437: The King's Own Calgary Regiment) and various cadet organizations. Prior to the construction of the Mewata Armoury, Calgary had minimal military infrastructure in place. A modest two-storey drill hall was opened on 12th Avenue SW in January 1904, the facility was purchased using private funds. In the late 1900s, Calgary City Council passed a motion offering the five lots (hospital site) to the federal government free of charge for
4416-438: The Mewata Armouries states: The seale and bold design of the Mewata Armoury exemplify the wave of national pride that greeted Canada’s strong performance in the South African War. In western Canada this military enthusiasm led to a dramatic increase in militia enrolment and resulted in the construction of new drill halls and armouries on an unprecedented scale. Mewata Armoury, one of the largest and most fully equipped of its type,
4512-416: The Mewata Armoury as a Federal Heritage Building under Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy. The recognition referenced the structures significance due to its historical associations with the Canadian government's late-19th century initiatives to build and maintain militia practice and training areas in urban locations, the building's role in housing militia and permanent forces during inter-war periods, and
4608-487: The NATO Airborne Early Warning Force is also based at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen near Geilenkirchen , Germany. The RCAF and Joint Task Force (North) (JTFN) also maintain at various points throughout Canada's northern region a chain of forward operating locations, each capable of supporting fighter operations. Elements of CF-18 squadrons periodically deploy to these airports for short training exercises or Arctic sovereignty patrols. The Canadian Joint Operations Command
4704-419: The Regimental Museum, received permission from 41 Canadian Brigade Group to place a vehicle in front of Mewata Armoury, after discussions in the Museum in 1997. This form of homage is common in other armouries and military bases across Canada. Lieutenant King sought out collectors in order to obtain an appropriate vehicle, and negotiations with the Canadian War Museum yielded this fully restored carrier, from
4800-524: The acquisition of specific equipment (main battle tanks, artillery, unmanned air vehicles and other systems) to support the mission in Afghanistan. It has also encompassed initiatives to renew certain so-called "core capabilities" (such as the air force's medium-range transport aircraft fleet—the C-130 Hercules —and the army's truck and armoured vehicle fleets). In addition, new systems (such as C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters) have also been acquired for
4896-409: The administration and formation of defence policy), which also exists as the civilian support system for the forces. The commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces is constitutionally vested in the monarch , Charles III . The chief of the Defence Staff is the professional head of the Canadian Armed Forces, who under the direction of the minister of national defence and together with
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#17328025974444992-471: The assistance of the Armed Forces Council , manages the operations of the Canadian Armed Forces. In 2023, Canada's military expenditure totalled approximately US$ 27.2 billion, or around 1.3 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) — placing it 16th for military expenditure by country . The Canadian Armed Forces are a professional volunteer force that consists of approximately 68,000 active personnel and 27,000 reserve personnel, with
5088-415: The city to Borden about the trade, Borden did not press the issue in Ottawa. In 1913, Borden wrote the city, pressing the issue of the federal government obtaining the Mewata Park land stating: All Cities are now supplying sites for armories. Calgary offered a site near the old hospital building. It is very unsuitable. If Calgary wants a $ 50,000 building it can get it by not providing a decent site. If, on
5184-519: The collection of Jack Guthrie, a notable Calgary vehicle collector. The concrete pad for the carrier was donated by BURNCO and the plaque purchased by the Regimental Funds Foundation through a grant from the Royal Alberta United Services Institute. The markings were researched and painted by Corporal Michael Dorosh, at that time a clerk with battalion headquarters. The plaque was unveiled by Second World War veterans Sergeant Clarence "Ken" Crockett, DCM and Lance Corporal Floyd Rourke, DCM. A second monument
5280-486: The construction of a suitable facility, however, the offer did not materialize. When Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Cruikshank approached City Council again in 1910 for the hospital site, city officials suggested alternative sites. The 1911 Canadian federal election , the previous Liberal government under Wilfrid Laurier was toppled by Robert Borden's Conservative Party. Sam Hughes was appointed Minister of Militia and Defence and together Borden and Hughes sought to expand
5376-420: The construction of an armory. Compounding the issue was the 1902 Crown grant for the Mewata land which stipulated the property must be used for "purposes of a public park and for no other purpose". Eventually Calgary City Council passed a motion for administration to transfer the Mewata land to the federal government, which was strongly opposed by many Calgarians, and the City requested the Legislative Assembly pass
5472-435: The country's integral participation in NATO during the Korean War , First Gulf War , Kosovo War , and in United Nations Peacekeeping operations, such as the Suez Crisis , Golan Heights , Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Libya. Canada maintained an aircraft carrier from 1957 to 1970 during the Cold War, which never saw combat but participated in patrols during the Cuban Missile Crisis . The current iteration of
5568-443: The department was merged into the Department of National Defence . The first significant overseas deployment of Canadian military forces occurred during the Second Boer War when several units were raised to serve under British command. Similarly, when the United Kingdom entered into conflict with Germany in the First World War , Canadian troops were called to participate in European theatres. Battles that are particularly notable to
5664-434: The development of and participation in peacekeeping during the 20th century led to its reputation as a positive middle power . Canada's successful role in mediating the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis gave it credibility and established it as a country fighting for the common good of all nations. The Canadian public came to identify the nation's peacekeeping role as the country's top contribution in international affairs. In
5760-408: The drill hall has been enclosed on the north and south sides, as well as part of the east side, leaving a short "balcony" overlooking the parade square. On November 11, 1979 the Government of Alberta designated the Mewata Armoury a Provincial Historical Resource, referencing the sites historical significance in providing training facilities for the Dominion Government's armed forces following 1900, and
5856-441: The duties ascribed to the post of commander-in-chief and, since 1905, hold the associated title. All troop deployment and disposition orders, including declarations of war , fall within the royal prerogative and are issued as orders-in-Council , which must be signed by either the monarch or governor general. Under the Westminster system 's parliamentary customs and practices, however, the monarch and viceroy must generally follow
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#17328025974445952-447: The federal government approved $ 50,000 for the Calgary project. Mewata Park, originally a federal reserve which was transferred to the City of Calgary as a park in 1906 was chosen for the site. The area was between the city's downtown and growing residential neighbourhoods. Calgary officials expected the federal government to transfer the military's old Calgary Rifle Range in exchange for the Mewata land, however despite correspondence from
6048-408: The federal government to transfer the military's old Calgary Rifle Range in exchange for the Mewata land, however despite correspondence from the city to Borden about the trade, Borden did not press the issue in Ottawa. In 1913, Borden wrote the city, pressing the issue of the federal government obtaining the Mewata Park land stating: All Cities are now supplying sites for armories. Calgary offered
6144-408: The final withdrawal of British Army and Royal Navy units from the city in 1906. Thereafter, the Royal Canadian Navy was formed, and, with the advent of military aviation, the Royal Canadian Air Force . These forces were organized under the Department of Militia and Defence , and split into the Permanent and Non-Permanent Active Militias —frequently shortened to simply The Militia . By 1923,
6240-407: The government." The City of Calgary's land offer valued at approximately $ 100,000, and in June 1912, the federal government approved $ 50,000 for the Calgary project. Mewata Park, originally a federal reserve which was transferred to the City of Calgary as a park in 1906 was chosen for the site. The area was between the city's downtown and growing residential neighbourhoods. Calgary officials expected
6336-473: The ground or at sea were still closed to women: infantry, armoured corps, field artillery, air defence artillery, signals, field engineers, and naval operations. On 5 February 1987, the minister of national defence created an office to study the impact of employing men and women in combat units. These trials were called Combat-Related Employment of Women. All military occupations were open to women in 1989, except submarine service, which opened in 2000. Throughout
6432-470: The grouping of various squadrons , both operational and support, under a single tactical commander reporting to the operational commander and vary in size from several hundred personnel to several thousand. Major air bases are in British Columbia , Alberta, Saskatchewan , Manitoba, Ontario , Quebec, Nova Scotia , and Newfoundland and Labrador , while administrative and command and control facilities are in Winnipeg and North Bay . A Canadian component of
6528-561: The highest-ranking commissioned officer in the Armed Forces and its commander. In this role, the CDS heads the Armed Forces Council , which also includes the vice chief of the Defence Staff and the commanders of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Joint Operations Command , Canadian Special Operations Forces Command , as well as certain other designated personnel. The Armed Forces Council generally operates from National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa , Ontario. The sovereign and most other members of
6624-509: The invasion of Afghanistan , and that the military should be stronger, but also that the purpose of the forces should be different, such as more focused on responding to natural disasters . Then Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Walter Natynczyk said later that year that, while recruiting has become more successful, the Forces was facing a problem with its rate of loss of existing members, which increased between 2006 and 2008 from 6% to 9.2% annually. Renewal and re-equipment efforts have resulted in
6720-411: The land. Bennett later respond to Sinnott and the plebiscite noting the total area provided was approximately 10,000 square feet too small, Bennett proposed a solution where the city transferred the full property as requested and the federal government issued an Order in Council absolving the city of any liability in regards to the letters patent. To donate the Mewata Park to the Dominion Government for
6816-420: The land. Bennett later respond to Sinnott and the plebiscite noting the total area provided was approximately 10,000 square feet too small, Bennett proposed a solution where the city transferred the full property as requested and the federal government issued an Order in Council absolving the city of any liability in regards to the letters patent. Construction began September 24, 1915 and according to some sources
6912-473: The largest deployment of troops ever to serve on Canadian soil in response to a natural disaster , and the largest operational deployment of Canadian military personnel since the Korean War . The Forces were also deployed to British Columbia from 3 August to 16 September 2003, as a part of Operation Peregrine . The operation was conducted after the province was overwhelmed by 800 separate forest fires, and
7008-522: The markings of the 1st Battalion. A plaque dedicates the memorial to all soldiers of the regiment and its predecessors who have "Served Canada in War and Peace." Regimental Markings included a gold maple leaf on Royal Blue, indicating the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division , and a green square indicating the 5th Brigade, upon which was placed the Unit Sign "62" in white. Lieutenant Brian S. King, CD, Curator of
7104-509: The order of precedence follows: after 2002 there is no sub-division of the Supplementary Reserve. Approximately 26,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen, trained to the level of and interchangeable with their Regular Force counterparts, and posted to CAF operations or duties on a casual or ongoing basis, make up the Primary Reserve. This group is represented, though not commanded, at NDHQ by the chief of Reserves and Employer Support, who
7200-429: The other hand Mewata Park is available, Calgary will obtain an armory that will be second to none in Western Canada. By 1913 the Mewata Park land had become a civic issue in Calgary, opposed by labour groups which had previously seen the federal government use militia to crush strikes in Cape Breton and Vancouver Island. Calgary Mayor Herbert Arthur Sinnott was reluctant to give away the Mewata Park land, but still sought
7296-450: The project was supervised locally by Calgary architect Leo Dowler. The structure was actually built by A. G. Creelman Co. of Vancouver , British Columbia. The building is at 801 11th Street SW and is still home to local Militia units, chiefly The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) and The Calgary Highlanders , but also 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance Detachment Calgary, the 41 Canadian Brigade Group Influence Activities Company (attached to
7392-417: The provincial government requested federal aid. Over 2,200 soldiers were mobilized, and at its height, more than 2,600 military personnel participated in the 45-day operation. The Constitution of Canada gives the federal government exclusive responsibility for national defence, and expenditures are thus outlined in the federal budget . For the 2007–2010 fiscal year , the amount allocated for defence spending
7488-472: The purchase of new trucks for the Canadian Army, transport aircraft and helicopters for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and joint support ships for the Royal Canadian Navy. In 2008, the Government of Canada began efforts, through the " Canada First Defence Strategy ", to modernize the Forces, through the purchase of new equipment, improved training and readiness, as well as the establishment of
7584-541: The role and prominence of militias in Canada. By December 1911, Borden had won over Hughes and Frederick Debartzch Monk Minister of Public Works to fund a $ 250,000 "Western Armoury". In January 1912, Hughes announced in Parliament "towns making offers of valuable sites were most likely to receive favorable consideration of the government." The City of Calgary's land offer valued at approximately $ 100,000, and in June 1912,
7680-647: The same level of protection and comfort as their male colleagues. Women's uniforms are similar in design to men's uniforms, but conform to the female figure, and are functional and practical. Women are also provided with an annual financial entitlement for the purchase of bras. In 2019, the National Post columnist Christie Blatchford reported, per an anonymous source, that the CAF had been fulfilling employment equity targets for internal job postings by secretly rejecting applications from white males, and by not requiring Indigenous candidates to either write or pass,
7776-681: The site's representation of the third phase of drill hall construction in Canada during 1896 to 1918, the scale and bold design of the armoury following the South African War, and the armoury's role as home of King's Own Calgary Regiment and The Calgary Highlanders. The Mewata Armoury was only the fourth site in Calgary to receive the National Historic Site of Canada designation, following Fort Calgary in 1925, Calgary City Hall in 1984, and Heritage Hall in 1987. The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque at
7872-678: The structure's long-term purpose which did not arise from a specific military emergency. The Minister of Culture Mary LeMessurier and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-McCall Andy Little announced the Provincial Historical Designation during the Royal Canadian Legion's Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium . On November 14, 1984 the Government of Canada recognized
7968-515: The substantial role the building played in training efforts for the Second World War. Additionally the Tudor Gothic architectural style, and landmark status in downtown Calgary contributed to the building's significance. On June 22, 1989 the Government of Canada designated the structure and area a National Historic Site of Canada under the name "Mewata Drill Hall / Calgary Drill Hall National Historic Site of Canada". The designation referenced
8064-496: The third-largest navy in the world, but with the fall of the Soviet Union , new data based on Japanese and Soviet sources found that to be incorrect. Since 1947, Canadian military units have participated in more than 200 operations worldwide, and completed 72 international operations . Canadian soldiers, sailors, and aviators came to be considered world-class professionals through conspicuous service during these conflicts and
8160-657: The time, remained effectively under the control of the British government until Canada gained legislative independence from the United Kingdom in 1931, in part due to the distinguished achievement and sacrifice of the Canadian Corps in the First World War. In November 1940, the Canadian militia was formally renamed the Canadian Army. However, in the 1950s, Reserve Army forces were once again referred to in official documentation as "Militia", which, although rare,
8256-472: The top brass. Since then, the CAF has been under pressure over allegations of sexual misconduct. Former justice Louise Arbour , who was tasked to lead a probe into military harassment and sexual misconduct claims in CAF in 2021, issued 48 recommendations to change the culture of the CAF. She said that she saw no basis for the CAF to retain the jurisdiction over sexual offences as it has not improved efficiency, discipline and morale. The Crown has long occupied
8352-819: The unified military forces of Canada , including land, sea, and air commands referred to as the Canadian Army , Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force . The CAF also operates several other commands, including the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command , the Canadian Joint Operations Command , and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command . Personnel may belong to either
8448-539: The west coast, and Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) at CFB Halifax on the east coast, as well as one formation: the Naval Reserve Headquarters (NAVRESHQ) at Quebec City , Quebec. The fleet is augmented by various aircraft and supply vessels. The RCN participates in NATO exercises and operations, and ships are deployed all over the world in support of multinational deployments. The Canadian Army
8544-660: The world. As of 2013, the Canadian Forces have 68,000 Regular Force members and 27,000 reservists , bringing the total force to approximately 95,000. These individuals serve on numerous Canadian Forces bases in all regions of the country and are governed by the Queen's Regulations and Orders and the National Defence Act . The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), headed by the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy , includes 28 warships and submarines deployed in two fleets: Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) at CFB Esquimalt on
8640-517: Was CA$ 6.15 billion which is 1.4 percent of the country's GDP. This regular funding was augmented in 2005 with an additional CA$ 12.5 billion over five years, as well as a commitment to increasing regular force troop levels by 5,000 persons, and the primary reserve by 4,500 over the same period. It was further augmented in 2010, with another CA$ 5.3 billion over five years being provided to allow for 13,000 more regular force members, and 10,000 more primary reserve personnel, as well as CA$ 17.1 billion for
8736-425: Was appointed Minister of Militia and Defence and together Borden and Hughes sought to expand the role and prominence of militias in Canada. By December 1911, Borden had won over Hughes and Frederick Debartzch Monk Minister of Public Works to fund a $ 250,000 "Western Armoury". In January 1912, Hughes announced in Parliament "towns making offers of valuable sites were most likely to receive favorable consideration of
8832-585: Was built adjacent to the armouries but the hall burnt down in 1941. The armoury for a time was home to a Permanent Force squadron of Lord Strathcona's Horse , but is most commonly associated with the Militia units in Calgary. Over the years, several units have been based at Mewata including South Alberta Light Horse , 19th Alberta Dragoons , King's Own Calgary Regiment , the Calgary Highlanders , and 746 (Calgary) Communication Squadron. During
8928-498: Was built in 1917-1918. For many years it has been home to the King’s Own Calgary Regiment and the Calgary Highlanders, both of which were established in 1910. The armoury is currently home to: The Calgary Highlanders erected and dedicated a Regimental Monument in front of Mewata Armoury in 1998. The monument takes the form of a Universal Carrier , of the type used by the regiment in the Second World War , painted in
9024-609: Was held up by lack of bricks. Two brick factories, one in Redcliff and one in Montgomery were built for the specific purpose of providing the bricks to complete the project. The building was completed in 1917. During the Second World War, several wooden huts were built to accommodate the large number of Calgary soldiers mobilized for the Canadian Active Service Force. In 1939, a large recreation hall
9120-611: Was later erected in celebration of 100 years of military engineering in Canada. An M4A2E8 Sherman tank displaying the wartime markings of The King's Own Calgary Regiment including the formation sign of the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade was placed atop a Bailey bridge bearing a plaque dedicated by 33rd Field Engineer Squadron. The KOCR mobilized a tank regiment which served with the brigade at Dieppe and in Italy from 1941 to 1945. Canadian Forces The Canadian Armed Forces ( CAF ; French : Forces armées canadiennes , FAC ) are
9216-490: Was reluctant to give away the Mewata Park land, but still sought the construction of an armory. Compounding the issue was the 1902 Crown grant for the Mewata land which stipulated the property must be used for "purposes of a public park and for no other purpose". Eventually Calgary City Council passed a motion for administration to transfer the Mewata land to the federal government, which was strongly opposed by many Calgarians, and
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