Close X
Saturday, November 2, 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

Japanese Yakuza link in B.C. drug bust: RCMP

Japanese Yakuza link in B.C. drug bust: RCMP
A statement from the RCMP's federal serious and organized crime team says the investigation began in August 2019, when the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a 12-kilogram shipment of methamphetamine destined for Japan.

Japanese Yakuza link in B.C. drug bust: RCMP

Charges laid in March 2022 Langley homicide

Charges laid in March 2022 Langley homicide
Following a six-month investigation, IHIT investigators identified Justin Bos as a suspect in the homicide of Mr. Mostat. On September 21, 2022, Bos was arrested by IHIT for the murder and charged with second degree murder of Cody Mostat.   

Charges laid in March 2022 Langley homicide

Merritt, B.C., to pilot four-day work week

Merritt, B.C., to pilot four-day work week
Merritt’s chief administrative officer says the one-year trial, approved by council on Tuesday, will see city hall closed on Mondays, with operational hours extended Tuesday through Friday to 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., an extra hour and 45 minutes each day.

Merritt, B.C., to pilot four-day work week

Canada lifting COVID-19 border rules Sept. 30

Canada lifting COVID-19 border rules Sept. 30
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has agreed to let a cabinet order enforcing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Canadian border expire at the end of this month. The change will also bring an end to COVID-19 border testing, which is currently mandatory for unvaccinated international travellers and random for those who are vaccinated.

Canada lifting COVID-19 border rules Sept. 30

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care
Malcolmson says the money will be spread across regional health authorities to provide training and resources for health workers caring for people experiencing a mental health crisis, with the aim of reducing suicide deaths. Malcolmson's ministry says the provincial coroners service investigated 582 suicide deaths last year, down from 597 in 2020 and 634 in 2019.

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care

B.C. seniors' financial support 'lowest in Canada'

B.C. seniors' financial support 'lowest in Canada'
Mackenzie says a report released by her office finds the province provides the lowest support for seniors in nine areas, including home support, eye exams, hearing aids and monthly supplements. 

B.C. seniors' financial support 'lowest in Canada'