To fulfill its responsibilities to our cadets, the Department of National Defence is required to conform to rulings by the Supreme Court of Canada that defined the level of care required by any organization in protecting youth under its direction. This level of care has been defined as that which would be exercised by a prudent parent in protecting their child.
As a full, active partner in this aspect of the Air Cadet Program, it is also reasonable that our registration and screening protocols meet the same standard required by our military partners. The military will be responsible for screening the volunteers of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve as well as contracted Civilian Instructors.
Accordingly, in December 2005, the Air Cadet League of Canada and the Department of National Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding asserting that only volunteers who have been screened and approved in accordance with the process agreed upon by the Department of National Defence and the League can participate in activities defined as “cadet duty”. The Air Cadet League assumed responsibility for registering and screening all volunteers. Furthermore, the League agreed to participate in the development of management and screening processes with the Department of National Defence and to maintain a national database of approved volunteers.
Following discussions with the Navy League of Canada and the Army Cadet League of Canada, it was decided that the three leagues would use a single database so that information on volunteer candidates that are considered unacceptable can be shared between the Leagues. Further discussions with the Department of National Defence also resulted in the implementation of a Volunteer Agreement for candidates who were going to work at the squadron level.
All volunteers must be registered and screened. This applies at the national, provincial and local level. At the local level, volunteers may work primarily with the Squadron Sponsoring Committee or with the Squadron training staff. Some individuals may choose to work with both the Squadron Sponsoring Committee and the squadron staff. When volunteers are working with the squadron staff, they will be supervised by a Cadet Instructor Cadre officer or civilian Cadet Instructor. If unsure whether or not a person must be screened, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
It should be understood that the League's responsibilities for civilian volunteers complement those of the Department of National Defence and are of a supporting nature. The Commanding Officers and their supporting staff have command and control of the Cadets and are responsible for supervision of the training program.
To assist in the implementation of the process a selection of tools is available for each Squadron Sponsoring Committee that may be accessed through the Information for Members page of this site. They include:
- A manual providing directions for Squadron Sponsoring Committees;
- A Power Point presentation for group briefings; and
- A brochure outlining the Program for prospective volunteers.
Questions regarding the program can be directed to your Sponsor Relations Liaison Member or to the Provincial Membership Registration Coordinator.
Completed documentation and receipts should be forwarded to the Provincial office at:
P. O. Box 1011
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 2W2
The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba) Inc. protects your personal information by adhering to all legislative requirements as detailed in our Privacy Policy.
A REGISTERED CANADIAN CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION REGISTRATION NUMBER 86679 5255 RR 0001
