Visible Minorities

 

The Canadian military is one of the most highly trained and respected forces in the world. Above all, the Canadian Forces value strength of character, and team contributions. This means that regardless of your gender, religion or ethnicity, the Canadian Forces invite you be a part of its team and to explore the opportunities it has to offer.

 

If you are looking for a career that is out of the ordinary, or want to experience something different, then the Canadian Forces is right for you. The military will pay for your education and training, allow you to choose from hundreds of career paths, and give you numerous opportunities to travel. The Canadian Forces put the upmost time and resources into developing a strong and cohesive team that is able to respond to situations quickly and effectively in Canada and all over the world.

 

A lot of training and preparation is required by Canadian Forces members, but the hard work is not without reward. As a new member to the Canadian Forces, much time is spent with your fellow comrades in training, and you will find that making friends comes naturally. These friendships form the basis of a larger Canadian Forces family upon which the security of Canada relies.

 

As the makeup of the Canadian population has changed, so has the Canadian Forces. By adopting non-exclusion policies and adapting uniform standards to accommodate various beliefs and practices, the Canadian Forces is committed to reflecting Canada’s unique diversity.

 

Throughout Canada's history, Black Canadians have taken their places on the field of honour with their compatriots. They fought in the War of 1812, stood firm against rebellion in 1837 and defended Canada's borders against the Fenian invaders in 1866. They have won glory and they have won honour carrying out their duty during two World Wars and the Korean War. For Blacks, though, the privileges of wearing the uniform and defending the country in war have often come only after fighting and winning other battles, battles against discrimination and rejection on grounds of colour.

 

Before, during and after the World Wars, and until 1947 when they were given the right to vote, Asian Canadians were also denied the most fundamental rights of citizenship. Yet, over 1,200 of these men and women of Chinese and Japanese origin voluntarily fought to put on the uniform to prove their patriotism.

 

For people of non-European origins, the qualities most desired in the soldiers called upon to defend their country were often not enough to gain them a place in the ranks. But they persisted. They stood with other Canadians on the field of honour. They have succeeded.

 

Black, Chinese, and Japanese Canadians have paved the way for Canadians of ALL origins to proudly take their rightful place in the Canadian Forces. They have become role models, not only for the youth from their respective communities, but for all Canadian men and women.