Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
National

Permanent residents can apply to join Armed Forces

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 05 Dec, 2022 03:48 PM
  • Permanent residents can apply to join Armed Forces

OTTAWA - Permanent residents can now apply to join the Canadian Armed Forces, regardless of whether they have been trained by a foreign military.

It's the latest effort by Canada's military to boost recruitment numbers, which are lagging well behind the target of adding 5,900 new members by March.

Officials have blamed a series of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and reputational issues stemming from a number of high-profile sexual misconduct cases for the current shortfall of nearly 8,000 soldiers, sailors and aviators.

Until now, permanent residents in Canada could sign up only if they were skilled professionals who were trained by foreign militaries, but the federal government is now broadening the pool of applicants.

The Department of National Defence says joining the military can help permanent residents gain citizenship, in part because their applications are given priority by immigration officials.

On October, chief of the defence staff Gen. Wayne Eyre ordered an immediate halt to all non-essential activities in favour of boosting military recruitment and retention.

The Armed Forces has also been pushing for greater diversity in its ranks, with targeted recruiting of under-represented groups and efforts to create a more inclusive workplace by doing things like easing dress rules.

MORE National ARTICLES

One dead in B.C. chopper crash: TSB

One dead in B.C. chopper crash: TSB
The board says the Geotech Aviation commercial chopper was conducting survey operations near Kitsault, between Prince Rupert and Stewart, when it collided with terrain. It says military aircraft and search and rescue technicians found the fatally injured pilot, who was the sole occupant on board.

One dead in B.C. chopper crash: TSB

RCMP investigating after youths cause disturbance at a local McDonald's

RCMP investigating after youths cause disturbance at a local McDonald's
When officers asked them to leave, some of the youths refused and continued to swear and yell at them. One of the youths repeatedly kicked an officer, and was arrested for assaulting a police officer, obstruction, mischief, and causing a disturbance.  

RCMP investigating after youths cause disturbance at a local McDonald's

Delta bus driver carrying 35 passengers charged with impaired driving

Delta bus driver carrying 35 passengers charged with impaired driving
On October 25, 2022, 65 year old Craig Randle of Delta was charged with operation of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or a drug along with operation of a vehicle while blood alcohol concentration is equal to or over the legal limit. 

Delta bus driver carrying 35 passengers charged with impaired driving

Kids' dental benefit bill passes in the Senate

Kids' dental benefit bill passes in the Senate
The dental benefit was a compromise between the Liberals and NDP, as part of the supply-and-confidence agreement that will see the New Democrats support the minority government until 2025. The Liberals are working to create a dental insurance program, but have created a new benefit to allow qualifying families to get help in the meantime.

Kids' dental benefit bill passes in the Senate

Surrey collision claims the life of one person

Surrey collision claims the life of one person
On Wednesday evening at 6:57 pm, Surrey RCMP responded to the report of a two vehicle collision in approximately the 4400 block of King George Boulevard. The investigation is in its early stages.

Surrey collision claims the life of one person

Surrey RCMP needs the public’s help in locating missing 66-year-old woman, Gurmail Sandhu

Surrey RCMP needs the public’s help in locating missing 66-year-old woman, Gurmail Sandhu
It is out of character for her to be out of touch with family for this long. Gurmail suffers from a medical condition requiring medication and she may appear disoriented or confused if approached. Gurmail only speaks Punjabi.  

Surrey RCMP needs the public’s help in locating missing 66-year-old woman, Gurmail Sandhu