Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan likes the new “old” names for the Canadian armed forces.
Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, welcomed the announcement made by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, that the Government of Canada has restored the use of the historic designations of the three former military services: the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Canadian Army (CA), and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
“I am very proud that our government has restored this important link between our serving military members and the veterans who served in defence of Canada so courageously in the past,” said MP Duncan.
“Restoring these historic identities is an important way of reconnecting today’s men and women in uniform with the proud history and traditions they carry with them as members of the Canadian Forces.” said Minister Mackay.
On February 1, 1968, the government of the day amended the National Defence Act to unify the Canadian Forces. In that process, the identities of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force ceased to be used and were replaced by Maritime Command, Land Force Command, and Air Command. This decision restores the original historic identities while retaining the organizational benefits of unification.
By reinstating the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Government is restoring a central component of Canada’s military heritage.
Dating back to the first half of the 20th century, these were the names of the services that fought and emerged victorious from the First World War, the Second World War, and from Korea, and also contributed to deterrence and defence in Europe and North America from the early days of the Cold War.
With this decision, these historic identities will return to official use, reminding us of the Canadian tradition of service and sacrifice that today’s men and women in uniform proudly continue.
