Close X
Monday, November 25, 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

New storm bears down on coastal B.C.

New storm bears down on coastal B.C.
The incoming storm is also expected to deluge parts of Metro Vancouver, including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge, with more than 100 millimetres of rain before it eases late Sunday and the weather office says rainfall warnings are likely to be issued as the forecasts are refined.

New storm bears down on coastal B.C.

Dental care benefit passes third reading

Dental care benefit passes third reading
Dental care is a pillar of the supply and confidence deal between the Liberals and the NDP. The Liberals promised to launch a federal dental care insurance program by the end of 2022, starting with coverage for children from low- and middle-income families.

Dental care benefit passes third reading

B.C. wife of ISIS fighter released on bail

B.C. wife of ISIS fighter released on bail
Under the bail conditions, Polman is prohibited from possessing a cellphone or any other device capable of connecting to the internet, and from driving any motorized vehicle. She cannot possess any documents related to a terrorist group or leave B.C. without the consent of her bail supervisor, and she must be electronically monitored and abide by a 9 p.m. curfew.

B.C. wife of ISIS fighter released on bail

Food bank usage hit all-time high: report

Food bank usage hit all-time high: report
The report, which looked at data from more than 4,750 food banks and community organizations, said the skyrocketing cost of food and housing, as well as high inflation and lowsocial assistance rates, have contributed to the rise in food bank usage. Kirstin Beardsley, the CEO of Food Banks Canada, called the numbers "devastating."

Food bank usage hit all-time high: report

Federal deficit comes in lower than expected

Federal deficit comes in lower than expected
According to public accounts documents released Thursday, the federal deficit for the 2021-22 fiscal year was less than expected because of Canada's strong economic recovery from the pandemic and the winding-down of pandemic supports. The federal deficit was $90.2 billion, while the 2022 budget projected it would come in at $113.8 billion.

Federal deficit comes in lower than expected

New B.C. premier David Eby to be sworn in Nov. 18

New B.C. premier David Eby to be sworn in Nov. 18
The Office of the Premier says in a news release that the ceremony to make Eby B.C.'s 37th premier will take place at Government House, with further details to be provided soon. Eby became premier-designate last week after being acclaimed as leader of the New Democrats, about four months after Horgan announced his impending retirement for health reasons.

New B.C. premier David Eby to be sworn in Nov. 18