CDS Informs Community CAF Training Institutions Have Ceased Training and Education

On Tuesday afternoon, the Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance issued another letter to inform the community that the Canadian Armed Forces training institutions have ceased training and education.

“The Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, le Collège militaire royal (CMR) and the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in Saint-Jean, as well as our schools in Borden, and across the CAF will temporarily cease operations. We will safely disperse their staff and students home, where and when feasible to do so,” read the letter dated March 24, 2020.

“The health of the CAF will be critical in the days and weeks to come with college and school operations will recommence safely after we conduct the necessary planning.” CDS General Vance

The letter went on to let families know that students and personnel that could return safely to a secure home environment will be directed to do that. To the students and personnel that cannot return home, General Vance noted they would continue to live in the quarters and be supported.

“In these cases, I have directed a minimum of college and school staff, including instructors, cooks and medical personnel to be isolated and confined on base with you ensure your supervision and care, and to impede the threat of COVID-19 resulting from people moving in and out of unit lines,” stated the letter.

He noted in the letter that while the personnel were confined to bases and quarters, all of them would be expected to take maximum precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Civilian staff will be offered an opportunity to isolate within the lines – on a volunteer basis. We are doing all we can to take care of you and your families.”

He concluded the letter by stating, “The health of the CAF will be critical in the days and weeks to come with college and school operations will recommence safely after we conduct the necessary planning.”

See the letter below: