Defence Minister launches full-time summer employment program for Reservists

News release

March 13, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, officially announced the launch of the Full-Time Summer Employment program in Kelowna, British Columbia. 

The Government of Canada is standing by its commitment of creating additional, high-quality jobs that will directly benefit Canada’s middle class and Canadian youth. As outlined in Canada’s Defence Policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Canadian Armed Forces is committed to employing new and recently enrolled members of the Reserves. Starting this summer, Canadian Army Reservists in their first four years of service can partake in the Full-Time Summer Employment program, from May 1 to August 31. During this time they will gain unique and relevant work experience while learning valuable life and leadership skills.

Through this initiative, Army Reserve members will receive competitive pay, learn valuable military skills, and gain experience that will set them up for success. Furthermore, Army Reserve members will conduct training within a selected military occupation that could lead to various employment opportunities in support of Canada’s defence commitments at home and abroad.

Guaranteed annual summer employment from May 1 to August 31 will also provide Army Reservists the training necessary for career progression. If certain members are identified as potential future Army Reserve junior leaders, they will also undergo leadership training during this period.

Additional multimedia

Master Corporal Neil Mitchell (centre) Royal Winnipeg Rifles, calculates the enemy position with Corporal Kyle Vermette and Master Corporal Anthony Justin Duke during a reconnaissance patrol on Exercise BISON WARRIOR held in Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba. ©2017 DND/MDN Canada
Master Corporal Neil Mitchell (centre) Royal Winnipeg Rifles, calculates the enemy position with Corporal Kyle Vermette and Master Corporal Anthony Justin Duke during a reconnaissance patrol on Exercise BISON WARRIOR held in Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba. ©2017 DND/MDN Canada
Canadian Army reserve members from the 5th Canadian Division conduct a ruck march. Load- bearing marches, such as this, are a key component to remaining physically and mentally fit in the Canadian Army. ©2017 DND/MDN Canada
Canadian Army reserve members from the 5th Canadian Division conduct a ruck march. Load- bearing marches, such as this, are a key component to remaining physically and mentally fit in the Canadian Army. ©2017 DND/MDN Canada

Quotes

“Our Government’s commitments to employment initiatives, such as the Canadian Army’s Full-Time Summer Employment program, demonstrates another investment not only in Canadian youth, but also in the Canadian Army Reserves, as outlined in Canada’s Defence Policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged.”

– Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan

“I am proud to serve an organization that has committed to providing full-time summer employment to every Army Reservist during their first four years of service. The Canadian Army wants to create an Army Reserve that can meet our changing operational requirements and fully integrate with the Regular Force. The first step towards that is to ensure the growth of the Army Reserve and continue to provide exceptional training to our Reservists.”

– Brigadier-General Rob Roy MacKenzie, Chief of Staff Army Reserve

Quick facts

  • On June 7, 2017, Canada’s Defence Policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged was unveiled. The Policy directed the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces to increase the size of the Reserve Force to 30,000 (an increase of 1,500), and reduce the recruitment process to a matter of weeks.

  • The Full-Time Summer Employment initiative is available to new recruits, and also available to current Army Reservists who joined as of 2015.

  • In order to make full-time summer employment available to some Reservists who joined the Canadian Army prior to 2015, additional employment will also be available for cadre staff, instructors, and trainers supporting the Full-Time Summer Employment program.

  • Reservists in their first four years of service who wish to take part in the program are not required to participate for the full four months. While encouraged to volunteer for as much time as possible, the Canadian Army will support its members and work to find meaningful employment for all Reservists who qualify for the program for the dates they are available.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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