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

Sunak's ascent means stability in Canada-U.K. ties

Sunak's ascent means stability in Canada-U.K. ties
Sunak will be the third British prime minister in less than two months, following the resignations of both Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Truss spent just six weeks in the role before she was forced to step down following economic turmoil in response to her proposed tax cuts.

Sunak's ascent means stability in Canada-U.K. ties

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers
The BC Nurses Union has been calling for better protective measures for its members for at least 30 years. Its president, Aman Grewal, says nurses are punched, kicked, grabbed and verbally and sexually harassed at increasingly dangerous workplaces, where injury rates are under-reported and higher than those affecting first responders.

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley
According to the Mounties, this does not appear to be a random act. The area surrounding the scene will be cordoned off for a significant amount of time. IHIT will be working in partnership with Langley RCMP.

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence
Officers attended the scene and located holes in a fence as well damage to the exterior of a residence. The vehicle is described as a white four-door sedan. The investigation is ongoing and a motive has not yet been identified. 

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD
Two men have been arrested after barricading themselves with weapons inside a downtown grocery store this morning. A VPD crisis negotiator convinced the men to surrender without incident. The investigation is ongoing. 

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision
On Friday, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a two vehicle collision occurred in the intersection of 132 Street and 108 Avenue. Two people have been transported to hospital with injuries. 

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision