Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, released the Canadian Military Colleges (CMC) Review Board report.

“I would like to begin by thanking the Canadian Military Colleges Review Board members for their important work, professionalism and dedication. I would also like to thank all Canadians who shared their knowledge and expertise with the Review Board. Canada’s Military Colleges are critical, national institutions and this report will enable us to make meaningful changes and investments necessary to prepare our people to protect Canada’s sovereignty in a complex and uncertain global security environment.

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“Canadian Military Colleges play an important role in the education of our officers. The recommendations made by the Review Board support the development of effective and ethical leaders for the Canadian Armed Forces. I would like to thank the Canadian Military Colleges Review Board and Canadians for their thoughtful and insightful contributions.”

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff

“Over the last year, we engaged with a wide cross-section of current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, allies, and experts in the field to closely analyze the culture, the environment, and the training provided at Canada’s military colleges. The military colleges remain a key asset to the Department of National Defence and the CAF, and Canada as a nation, and we believe that the implementation of the 49 recommendations in this report will contribute to an environment at the military colleges where Naval and Officer Cadets are safe, respected, and well trained.” 

Dr. Kathy Hogarth, Chairperson, Canadian Military Colleges Review Board

• The CMC Review Board is comprised of five external education and culture experts, a DND public service executive and a CAF representative. Board members were chosen for their range of perspectives and background, as well as for their independence and impartiality.

• The well-being of CMC Naval and Officer Cadets and staff is a top priority for the Defence Team.

• Recommendation #28 of the IECR recommends eliminating the Cadet Wing peer leadership structure. Recommendation #29 called for the establishment of an additional review of the costs and benefits associated with educating officers through the military colleges.

• Canada’s two military colleges educate and develop a portion of the officers who serve in the CAF’s Regular Force. Both military colleges grant undergraduate degrees, and RMC in Kingston also grants graduate degrees.

• RMC in Kingston was founded in 1874. On June 1, 1876, it opened its doors to the first class of 18 officer cadets. RMC Saint-Jean, formerly known as Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, originally opened in 1952. It temporarily closed its doors in 1995 and reopened in May 2008. It returned to full university status in 2022.

• Over the past year, Review Board members consulted and engaged with over 1,500 individuals, including Department of National Defence employees, Canadian Armed Forces members, alumni, academic and non-public fund CMC employees, and Canadians. Consultation was a key part of the Review Board’s mandate and included visits to allied and partner nations’ military academies as well as several visits to both CMCs.

Related products

• Report of the Canadian Military Colleges Review Board

Associated links

• Canadian Military Colleges Review Board
• Minister Blair announces establishment of Canadian Military Colleges Review Board
• Independent External Comprehensive Review

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