July 28, 2015
On July 30, 1974, at about 1:30 p.m., approximately 130 army cadets from “D” Company and their instructors, were gathered in one of the barracks of the then Valcartier Cadet Camp for a course on explosives safety. The purpose of this course was to teach cadets to recognize explosive devices and to immediately inform the police or any other person in authority if they ever discovered or any of the devices like the ones demonstrated in the course. During this course, several types of inert explosive devices (dummies) were presented by one of the Regular Force instructors and passed around the group so they could be examined and handled by the cadets. These included M-61 type grenades, blue in colour, clearly indicating an inert device.
The various eye witness accounts in the investigation report state that an M-61 type grenade, green in colour, carrying a live explosive charge, was circulating along with the blue grenades (inert). According to the investigation report, many of the cadets noticed the difference in colour, but thought it was also an inert device. Around 2:20 p.m., upon receiving permission from the instructor, one of the cadets pulled the pin from the green grenade causing an explosion. Six cadets, all between 13 and 15 years of age, were killed by the explosion, and another 54 individuals were injured.
The 1974 investigation report indicated that immediately after the explosion, an inspection of the box used to transport the inert explosive devices that were used in the cadet demonstration revealed that there was a container of M-61 grenades that had an active explosive charge or “live” charge. This container was empty and, according to the report, it is possible that a grenade may have slipped out and found itself among the inert grenades. No one was able to clearly demonstrate how a grenade with an active explosive charge (live) was able to find its way into a box carrying inert explosive devices used for demonstration purposes.
Criminal charges were laid against the Regular Force instructor who had delivered the explosives safety course to the “D” Company cadets. Appearing before a judge of the Quebec Court of the Sessions of the Peace in 1977, the instructor was found not guilty of the charges laid against him. With respect to other charges, investigators at the time were not able to conclusively determine how the active grenade came to be in a box that was marked for demonstrations. In the absence of conclusive evidence, no further charges were laid.
At the time of the incident, those directly involved were immediately cared for. However, the care provided immediately following the incident and access to long-term continued support for cadets - who are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces - was not extensive and as mental health and more permanent issues arose, there have been requests from survivors and advocates for a more comprehensive investigation and compensation by the Department of National Defence.
In May 2014, the Minister of National Defence authorized the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces to conduct another investigation into this incident. The report of the investigation was released in July 2015, and Minister of National Defence immediately directed the Department of National Defence to take immediate action on the Ombudsman’s recommendations to ensure the victims get the care and recognition they deserve.
The Cadet Program has changed considerably since this tragic event, particularly with respect to the attention paid to safeguarding the young men and women under the care of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces—the first priority in all cadet activities is the safety and welfare of cadets.
The incident remains a national tragedy that must not be repeated. Accordingly, the explosives safety course was terminated from the Cadet Program in 1975 and cadets no longer handle grenades, live or inert, in their training activities. The risk associated with all training activities is evaluated and assessed on a regular basis. Immediately following any training accident, a comprehensive investigation is conducted and recommendations for changes are reviewed and implemented to ensure any shortfalls are addressed and the incident or accident will be prevented in the future.
The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces continue to work diligently to prevent tragedies of this nature. A far greater network of support and resources is now available to cadets, their instructors and families in the case of traumatic events or an accident. In the event a cadet is injured today, great care is taken to ensure the cadet is provided with immediate medical care as well as guidance and information for the cadet and their family on available resources for long-term care if required.
Since 1974, Canadians have come to better understand the psychological effects of traumatic events. Youth in particular require compassion and support in order to cope in a way that promotes their continued development. In today’s Cadet Program, special attention is paid to the well-being of cadets, both physical and mental, and guidance and information is provided to cadets and their families on available resources if required.
Cadets participating in authorized cadet activities are entitled to emergency medical and dental care, and limited follow-up care if required, at public expense. Should additional follow-up care be required, cadets and their families are provided with guidance and information on care available through insurance programs administered by the Navy League, Army and Air Cadet Leagues of Canada, provincial heath care plans or private insurance programs.
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All those who believe they have been affected by this incident are encouraged to contact the Department of National Defence at 1-844-800-8566 or 1974@forces.gc.ca.
