Today, the Royal Military College Saint Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) held a historic convocation by granting undergraduate degrees for the first time since 1995. Twelve Officer Cadets received a Bachelor of International Studies after successful completion of their university-level program.

“This historic convocation, that includes both Officer and Naval Cadets and Non-Commissioned Members, is a demonstration of the excellence of our military personnel and the importance of education that benefits not only the Canadian Armed Forces, but all Canadians into the future. I wish nothing but the best to the new graduates in their careers.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

“Today’s presentation of RMC Saint-Jean’s first undergraduate degrees since 1995 is a milestone toward the return of the college to full degree-granting status. I would like to acknowledge the hard work accomplished by the college staff and faculty of RMC Saint-Jean working towards this goal, and offer my sincere congratulations to all graduating members.”

Major-General Craig Aitchison, Commander, Canadian Defence Academy

“I am proud of all the Officer/Naval Cadets and Non-Commissioned Members who graduated today; they demonstrated resilience, tenacity and esprit de corps during these unusual times. This is the culmination of many months and years of hard work, preparing them to lead some of the finest people Canada has to offer.”

Colonel Nicolas Pilon, Commander, Royal Military College

“I am happy to be able to recognize this graduation, especially since it is the first graduation since 1995. It is an important event for the Saint-Jean military college and for the new graduates. Teaching brings openness and this is essential in all spheres of human endeavour.”

Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay-Lacolle, Québec

• Over 300 Naval and Officer Cadets from across Canada studied at RMC Saint-Jean during the 2020/2021 academic year, 25% of them were women.

• RMC Saint-Jean provides an International Studies program in both French and English, preparing future officers to work in a bilingual and international environment.

• RMC Saint-Jean students receive comprehensive training based on four pillars: university education, bilingualism, leadership and physical fitness.

• RMC Saint-Jean aims to prepare future officers to meet the emerging and future needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.

• All Naval and Officer Cadets were confined on campus since March 7, 2021. All required Protective Health Measures were followed during their academic year, including the convocation ceremony.

Associated links

• RMC Saint-Jean website
• RMC Saint-Jean Facebook

Lt(N) Delphine Bonnardot
Public Affairs Officer
RMC Saint-Jean
Phone: 514-554-0429

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca