Cadet and Junior Canadian Ranger Program
Description
The Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers (CJCR) Program is a youth development program available to individuals between 12 and 18 years old who submit interest in becoming a Cadet or Junior Canadian Ranger (JCR). Cadets and JCRs engage in varied and unique experiences, while developing competencies in leadership, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness. The goal of the program is to develop the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate interest in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Individuals apply to become a Cadet through an application and registration process which collects basic tombstone information on the applying minor and their consenting parent or guardian (name, address, date of birth, contact details). To ensure the program trains and cares for the minor appropriately, the program collects other necessary information, such as custody limitations, judicial restrictions (e.g. curfew), and medical information. These collections aim to provide program officials with the least amount of personal information possible to support the training and care of the minor cadet.
Applications to become a cadet are submitted directly to a particular corps (Sea Cadet group, Army Cadet group) or squadron (Air Cadet group) in the applicant’s community. There are approximately 1,050 corps/squadrons across Canada.
Once registered as a cadet, the types of training activities that a cadet experiences are specific to the Cadet group to which they apply, such as:
- Sea Cadets: training specializing in sailing, seamanship, navigation, shipboard life, naval communications, power boat handling, boat repair, and marine engineering.
- Army Cadets: building outdoor and leadership skills through participation in expedition activities such as hiking, climbing, and kayaking, which also includes orienteering, compass reading, first-aid, camping and survival skills.
- Air Cadets: gain aviation related skills through activities such as flying, gliding, aerospace, aircraft maintenance, navigation, outdoor survival, and studies in aerospace.
Cadets are supervised and trained by Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officers and non-commissioned members of a sub-component of the Reserve Force of the CAF who, by the terms of their enrolment or transfer, have undertaken as their primary duty the safety, supervision, administration, and training of Cadets. The program is further supported by volunteers and civilian instructors who apply for those positions directly to a cadet corps/squadron within their community. All adults working in the program are subject to an adult screening process which exists to ensure the safety of the cadets; this includes volunteers, civilian instructors, community supporters, members of the military, and public servants.
Most cadet training activities occur on nights and weekends; however, cadets can choose to participate in a two, three, four, or seven week onsite training exercise at a Cadet Training Centre (CTC) of which there are 13 such facilities across Canada. While at a CTC, cadets are subject to inspection where contraband or criminal activity may result in referrals to the military police (MP).
Furthermore, the program may provide medical care to the cadet and, if necessary, refer them to local doctors or hospitals for emergency medical care, x-rays, or other treatment.
As cadets gain more experience in the program, they may choose to take on more responsibility through similar and/or more advanced training activities in the evening and weekends. Some cadets may take on leadership roles or instructor training. Beginning at age 16, a cadet may be selected for a paid position (called a staff cadet) wherein their social insurance number (SIN) and direct deposit details are collected to support pay.
An individual can voluntarily and freely remove themselves from the program at any time; there are no expectations to join the CAF nor any requirements to serve a period of time prior to separation from the program; however, cadets can not continue to participate in the program past their 19th birthday.
Why a privacy impact assessment was completed
According to Appendix C.2.2.9.2.1 of the TBS Directive on Privacy Practices, a PIA is required, in part, when any new or modified information technology or other process is being deployed. As the Cadet and Junior Canadian Ranger Program is modernizing its personal information collection storage solutions, a PIA is required.
Additional information
The PIA identified several potential privacy risks associated with the administration of the program, including issues around accountability, notice, retention, and information security. In response to the risks, senior management within the program created an action plan to mitigate the risks within a timely fashion.
Related personal information banks
Information on Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers (DND PPU 839)
For more information about this privacy impact assessment
DND/CAF Directorate of Access to Information and Privacy
Email: ATIP-AIPRP@forces.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-901-6720
Online request: Access to information and Privacy online request