
QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of National Defence
Recruitment of Indigenous Armed Forces Candidates
November 7, 2024
Thank you, minister. As I’m sure you’ll agree, one way to increase the strength of our Armed Forces is by increasing the diversity within them. First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have a long and honoured history of serving, which continues to this day.
Can you speak to your recruitment strategy for Indigenous communities, specifically if you are having Indigenous recruiters go into the community and share their experiences?
I’m in complete agreement. I think it’s a smart and effective organization, and it is one with a great diversity of perspectives. Traditional Indigenous knowledge is very important to us operating effectively in the High North and in the communities for which that knowledge is so helpful.
Currently, approximately 4% of our Canadian Armed Forces members report Indigenous heritage. Of course, we have the Rangers, comprised of nearly 5,000 people, both Junior Rangers and the Rangers force themselves, which is overwhelmingly Indigenous and essential to our security and sovereignty in the Far North.
I’m also in agreement with you regarding the reconstitution plan, in which we’ve talked about how to build upon the diversity of the Canadian Armed Forces.