Quebec Reservists to benefit from new investments
News release
August 27, 2019 – Montreal, Quebec – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Government of Canada is ensuring our Reserve Force is well trained, equipped and prepared for operations at home and abroad.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Longueuil – Charles-LeMoyne, visited the Montreal Garrison to highlight new initiatives to better support the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves.
A new Reserve infrastructure investment program will see approximately $250 million in repairs and upgrades to Reserve armouries and training facilities across Canada over the next five years. Approximately $38 million is expected to be invested in immediate maintenance and repairs across the country this year, with $15.8 million for Quebec armouries, which will help create economic opportunities for local businesses.
An estimated $2.4 million is planned for Montreal armouries in 2019-20. Over $2.2 million is being invested in the construction of a new building at the Montreal Garrison to provide Reservists with a parade square and storage space. These strategic investments will ensure our facilities can accommodate future growth in the Reserves, as well as new capabilities and equipment to support the evolving needs of a modern Reserve Force.
Reserve Force pay was also highlighted as it is being restructured to align with Regular Force pay where the demands of service are similar. The new methodology for the Reserve Force applies the same base pay the Regular Force receives, plus the elements of the Military Factor that apply to reservists. Reservists will receive more money in this new system in order to more fairly compensate them for their important service.
Quotes
“The government is focused on supporting our women and men in uniform with what they need to carry out the challenging work we ask of them. A strong, modern, and capable Reserve Force is critical to our military’s operational success. That is why the government is investing in functional and green infrastructure upgrades to support the training and future growth of the Reserves.”
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
“Reserve Force members are a vital part of the Canadian Armed Forces, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the equipment and infrastructure they require to train and prepare for their tasks. Beyond the preparedness of the Forces, these investments create economic opportunities for local businesses in surrounding areas and help grow the middle class. This funding is an investment in tomorrow, today.”
Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Longueuil – Charles-LeMoyne
Quick facts
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Projects will be identified with Reserve units and prioritized based on their infrastructure needs identified in an annual call-out.
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Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, commits to increasing the size of the Primary Reserve Force by 1,500 to a total force of 30,000. This investment program will help ensure Reservists have the infrastructure required to support the vital role they play in representing Canadian interests at home and overseas.
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National Defence is also analyzing its Reserve infrastructure to help define Reservists’ longer-term infrastructure needs. A study is underway in Edmonton, with another study in the Metro Vancouver area planned for 2019-20. The results will inform future plans to modernize facilities across the country.
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Previously, Reserve Force pay was a simple 85 percent calculation of the total Regular Force pay. Regular Force pay is composed of two parts: base pay and Military Factor. The Military Factor is a percentage added to the base salaries of Canadian Armed Forces members that compensates them for additional requirements that do not affect most public servants.
Contacts
Todd Lane
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: todd.lane@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca