Military Training Cooperation Programme - Joining Instructions
On behalf of the Canadian Forces Language School (CFLS) and the Military Training Cooperation Programme (MTCP), welcome to Canada.
These instructions are intended to help prepare you for your upcoming course and to facilitate your arrival procedures in Canada. Please read them carefully.
Course Authority
The authorities for this program are the Directorate of International Security Policy (DG IS POL) and the Directorate of NATO Policy (D NATO POL) of the National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ). The language program falls under the Military Training Cooperation Program (MTCP) and is based on NATO STANAG 6001 (Edition 4). This document describes the various levels of linguistic competence.
Instructional Method
This course is a general language course, not a military course. The instructional method used at the school is not a traditional grammar-based approach but rather a communicative approach. This approach focuses on all four language skills (speaking, reading, listening and writing), using a wide variety of activities and role-plays to simulate real-life situations. The communicative approach has been proven successful and it results in students being able to communicate effectively in English.
Arrival in Canada
The Canadian Forces Attaché (CFA) assigned to your country will coordinate the transportation from your country to Canada. For immigration purposes, you are invited to Canada under the Visiting Forces Act regulations.
Flights to and from Canada will be arranged and paid for by Canada. Once flights are booked, they will not be changed except for operational reasons or in the event of extraordinary and unforeseen personal circumstances. Candidates are reminded that limited baggage allowance is strictly enforced by commercial airlines.
A Canadian military representative will meet you at the airport upon arrival.
Students must arrive on the Monday of the week their course commences and depart on the Friday of course termination.
Students must bring their flight tickets and passport with them on the first day of the course for safekeeping and verification of the return flight.
Medical and Dental
Before your arrival in Canada, we require that you have insurance to cover your medical and dental needs while travelling. Candidates should not arrive in Canada with pre-existing medical conditions that will require medical attention or will interfere with their studies at the school. Any student who develops a condition requiring extended medical or dental treatment will likely be returned to their home country.
You will also be given a contact card with phone numbers to reach school staff at any time for emergency notification.
Note: Most Canadian cities have "911" emergency service. If this does not work, simply dial "0" and ask the operator to connect you to the police or medical services. There is no charge for emergency calls placed from a public pay phone.
CFLS Policies
Harassment Policy
Harassing someone is illegal in Canada, including sexual harassment. In other words, "no" means "no". The Canadian Forces will not tolerate any harassment and the school reserves the right to return anyone to their country of origin if a situation requires it. If any clarification of this policy is required, please inform your teacher or any MTCP staff member.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public areas indoors. Likewise, smoking is prohibited at the school and in all government buildings. Areas outside of the building have been set-aside for smokers.
Communications
Computers and Internet Access
Laptop computers will be available for loan and individual use to each student on course. Once at the school, you will receive a security briefing on the approved use of DND and personal computers while at CFLS.
CFLS also has Internet labs with computers available for use by all students. Wireless access may also be available.
Telephones
Telephones for students' use will be available for local calls only. Long distance phone calls and faxes are for official purposes and are only available in designated areas. Telephone cards for personal long distance calls can be purchased at any convenience store.
Finances and Currency
Allowances
Some countries, as per MTCP program rules, are entitled to an allowance. On approximately the fifteenth and thirtieth of each month, the students will receive an allowance in the amount of $150.00. For partial months, you will receive $10.00 per day and not the full monthly allowance.
Taxes
There are Canadian taxes that you should be aware of:
- the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST); and
- the Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
In Ontario, these two taxes have been combined into one Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). In most stores and restaurants, the price listed for items does not include taxes. If unsure of the cost of an item, check with a salesperson for help.
Credit cards
Major cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Canada. Keep in mind your financial institution at home will automatically make the currency exchange before you receive your monthly statement.
Leave and Visitors
Leave
Students at CFLS are required to attend classes generally from 0800 to 1600 hours (times may vary), Monday to Friday. Evenings and weekends are considered free time, keeping in mind that you will have homework assignments to complete as part of the course curriculum.
Students on leave or free time are permitted to travel anywhere within Canada. If leaving the geographical area, you must have a valid leave request form authorized by the appropriate personnel to cover you in the event of an emergency or accident.
For students who wish to visit the United States (US), please note that you will require a travel visa and special medical insurance. If you intend to visit the US during your time at CFLS, you are strongly advised to apply for your visa well in advance. CFLS is not able to assist you with your visa application, and the process can be lengthy.
Visitors
While on course in Canada, you will not be authorized to have visitors from abroad accompany you. The Department of National Defence will not officially host or make provision for family members or friends who may want to visit during your stay. Family members are welcome to visit Canada as are any other authorized persons wishing to enter the country, however accommodation will be the visitor's responsibility and the visit must not interfere with your studies.
Accommodations
To help Canadian Armed Forces members to perfect their knowledge of the English language, we have arranged to lodge you with an English-speaking Canadian family, who will provides a private room with access to a washer and dryer.
Meals
Your host family will provide you with two meals daily, and three meals on weekends and holidays. For lunch, you will be given meal cards, which will allow you to have hot meals at the cafeteria.
Amenities and Entertainment
The National Capital Region (NCR) Trg Coy is located in the Asticou Centre, at the foot of Gatineau Park, in the Hull sector of Gatineau.
Amenities available are:
- Gymnasium
- Multi-Media Laboratories
The National Capital Region possesses myriad activities to suit any interest from festivals, parades and museums to sport activities such as ice skating and cycling; the list is endless. For more information, please consult the tourist information brochures.
Sports and Recreation
The NCR Trg Coy has a gymnasium that is available for use free of charge to all students.
In addition to indoor facilities at the school, a series of nature trails in Gatineau Park can be found on the far side of the Asticou building. Sports equipment for recreational activities is loaned out free of charge at the Supply office. Equipment available includes:
- bicycles
- snow shoes
Religious Services
Churches of all denominations are located in the city of Ottawa and in Gatineau.
Transportation
Students are given city bus passes upon their arrival, which will allow them to reach virtually any area in the city.
Please contact OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 for Ottawa bus routes and the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) at 819-770-3242 for Gatineau bus routes.
Mailing address & Contact information
Your mailing address while at CFLS NCR Trg Coy is:
Canadian Forces Language School
National Capital Region Training Company
NDHQ - 101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2
Canada
Telephone numbers – working hours (0730-1530 Monday to Friday):
Orderly Room (819) 994-3000
School Fax (819) 994-6512
MTCP Coordinator (819) 994-2727
MTCP Clerk (819) 997-7627
Officer Commanding (819) 994-2612
Telephone numbers – after working hours, weekends and Canadian holidays:
MTCP Coordinator (cell) (613) 858-3871
MTCP Clerk (613) 858-2245
Language Achievement Canada (613) 253-2562
In the event that your family needs to reach you during an emergency, they are requested to contact the Orderly Room during working hours. Outside of working hours they are requested to contact the Military Training Cooperation Programme Course Officer.
NCR TRG COY - Dress Regulations
Note: For military students, a national uniform will be required for official functions and formal dinners.
During school hours – military and civilian personnel:
Business casual:
- Males: Dress slacks and collared shirt (tie and jacket or sweater optional)
- Females: Dress slacks or skirt with blouse (sweater or jacket optional)
The following items are not permitted for wear during school hours at CFLS:
- jeans or denim skirts (of any colour)
- t-shirts
- tank tops
- camisoles or strapless tops
- sweat shirts
- sports attire
- running shoes
- flip-flops
- athletic sandals
- work boots
- hiking boots
- winter boots
Sports gear will only be acceptable in the gymnasium and for athletic events.
CFLS NCR Trg Coy has a strict policy of no denim clothing for students during school hours. This includes cultural trips outside the school.
Please ensure that you bring adequate and appropriate civilian attire for your stay in Canada, keeping in mind the changing seasons and Canadian climate and also your participation in outside activities. (ex: warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, raincoat, warm and rugged boots, light jackets, athletic shoes and clothes, etc.).
Accommodations
At the Saint-Jean Garrison, students will be quartered in family units of six or nine individual rooms, each equipped with a radio alarm-clock and an electric fan. Each family unit contains a common living room with a television, a common bathroom plus an iron and ironing board. A welcome kit of personal hygiene items will also be provided to each student upon arrival however, students must provide their own personal items such as shampoo, coat hangers, bath towels, soap, laundry detergent, etc. for the rest of the course. All items can be purchased locally.
Meals
Meals will be provided in the combined Officer's and Non-Commissioned Officer's dining room of the megastructure. Visiting students will be members of their appropriate mess. Students will be issued a meal card upon arrival.
Amenities and Entertainment
Amenities available are:
- Retail shops
- Barbershop
- Post Office
- Dry-cleaning services
- Automated Bank Machine (ABM)
- Recreational, sporting and hobby clubs
The Personnel Support Program (PSP) arranges regular activities for students of the various units on base. The activities include trips for shopping, entertainment and sporting events. The cost for these activities is very reasonable.
More information about the Saint-Jean Garrison and the various available facilities.
Sports and Recreation
Saint-Jean has many sports facilities that are available for use free of charge to all students. Sports equipment for many recreational activities is loaned out free-of charge at the base gymnasium. The facilities include:
- gymnasiums
- pool
- fitness centre
- weight-training room
Special Event
International Evening: During each course there will be an International Evening hosted by all the students. Each national group may display information, pamphlets and general facts about its country or provide samples of national foods. Many ethnic communities assist students with items for display.
Religious Services
There are services on base for the Protestant and Roman Catholic denominations. Other denominational churches are located in the city of Montreal.
Transportation
Commercial car rental agencies are available in the local area. A credit card and/or a cash deposit are required in order to rent a car. Car rentals in Canada require the renter to have insurance for public liability and property damage. This insurance can be purchased through the rental agency. Students are encouraged to have an international driver's license before arriving in Canada. More information can be provided as needed while in Canada.
Detachment Saint-Jean mailing address and contact information
Your mailing address while at CFLS Det Saint-Jean is:
Canadian Forces Language School
Detachment Saint-Jean (MTCP)
P.O. Box 100, Station Main Office
Richelain, Quebec
J0J 1R0
Canada
Telephone numbers – working hours (0730-1530 Monday to Friday):
Orderly Room (450)358-7099 extension 6078
School Fax (450)358-7361
Sergeant Major (450) 358-7099 ext 6592
MTCP Course Officer (450)358-7099 ext 6591
MTCP Chief Clerk (450) 358-7099 ext 6589
MTCP Course Officer (450)358-7099 extension 6591
MTCP Chief Clerk (450) 358-7099 extension 6589
Officer Commanding (450) 358-7099 extension 7451
Detachment Saint-Jean: Dress regulations
During school hours - military personnel:
National military uniform (winter or summer as appropriate for the season)
During school hours - civilian personnel:
Minimum business casual:
- Males: Dress slacks and collared shirt (tie and jacket or sweater optional)
- Females: Dress slacks or skirt with blouse (sweater or jacket optional)
Officers’ Mess: civilian attire (all personnel)
Minimum business casual (as per Canadian Forces Language School (CFLS) policy above)
The following items are not permitted for wear at CFLS or in the Officers’ Mess:
- jeans or denim skirts (of any colour)
- t-shirts
- tank tops
- camisoles or strapless tops
- sweat shirts
- sports attire
- running shoes
- flip-flops
- athletic sandals
- work boots
- hiking boots
- winter boots
Note: Jeans are permitted in the Officers’ Mess from 1600 hours on Fridays until close of business on Sundays. If this privilege is abused, it may be revoked by the Executive Committee of the Mess.
CFLS Det Saint-Jean has a strict policy of no denim clothing for students during school hours. This includes cultural trips outside the school.
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