April 9: Letter from Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) regarding COVID-19

April 9, 2020

Dear Families and Members of the Canadian Armed Forces,

Thank you to the many Regular, Reserve and civilian personnel who have answered the call and begun to muster, as we build our Task Forces across Canada. Our Rangers have deployed to Nunavik, and ships, vehicles and personnel are poised should natural disasters demand a response, or further requests are received to support the response to the spread of COVID-19. Critical activities in maintenance, planning and operations see about 15% of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) ‘at work’.

This weekend, we are entering what would traditionally be a time to gather to observe religious events and embrace the spring weather. That said, our mission of maintaining a fit and healthy force for employment remains. Complacency could place at risk our collective efforts to preserve the force and subsequently add to the pressure on the medical capacity within our communities.

I know being resilient in the face of this pandemic is difficult on all members, our families and our community. As Canada’s military force, this is our duty regardless of how odd it may seem. If you are not required to be at work, my message to you is:

Stay home. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

For the kids – the Easter Bunny is good to go!

Enjoy the weekend as best you can.

J.H. Vance
General