The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) join victims and families in remembering the 1974 grenade explosion at the Cadet Summer Training Centre at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, during a memorial ceremony today on the base.
On July 30, 1974, an accidental grenade explosion at the Valcartier Army Cadet Summer Training Centre claimed the lives of six cadets and wounded dozens more. While the incident occurred many years ago, Canadians have not forgotten. A memorial ceremony led by former CAF members and cadets who were present at the training centre in 1974 is held annually to commemorate this tragedy.
“Forty years ago today, an accidental grenade explosion at a Cadet Summer Training Centre in Valcartier killed six cadets and wounded dozens more. This incident remains a tragedy that has not been forgotten. This is why the Government of Canada is facilitating an investigation by the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces into this horrible event. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend sincere condolences to the victims and families who are still affected by this horrific accident. Even after 40 years, I know that many of the witnesses of this tragic event have painful memories of this day. It is my sincere hope that the memorial ceremony held today in Valcartier will give them some measure of comfort.”
- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, PC, QC, MP for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence
“The effects of the accident on that fateful day in 1974 forever changed the lives of the cadets and cadet instructors present at the time, not to mention the families of the fallen and injured, and echoed across the entire Canadian Armed Forces. We take the responsibility to protect the young people in our care very seriously - this is our prime consideration for any Cadet activity. We will not forget this tragic event, and we will remember those who we lost, and those who have suffered."
- General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff
- 30 -
Media inquiries
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
E–mail: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
