Statement by Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, regarding the Ombudsman's report on the 1974 cadet tragedy at CFB Valcartier

Statement

July 28, 2015

OTTAWA – Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, issued the following statement today on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces regarding the investigation report released today by the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces on the 1974 grenade explosion at the cadet training centre in CFB Valcartier:

“Forty one years ago, an accidental grenade explosion at the Cadet Training Centre in CFB Valcartier killed six cadets and wounded dozens more while they were gathered for a lecture in one of the barracks. The effects of this tragedy forever changed the lives of the cadets and instructors present at the time, as well as the families of the fallen and injured. It resulted in significant changes in the way we deliver the Cadet Program.

“Today, following direction from the Minister of National Defence, we are taking immediate action on the Ombudsman’s recommendations to ensure that victims get the care they deserve. The Canadian Armed Forces is fully committed to supporting this effort through the development and implementation of a framework for assessment and care and immediately reaching out to those who have been affected by this incident. In addition to our efforts to make contact and provide information, through social media and other means, we encourage all those who believe they have been affected by this incident to contact us at 1-844-800-8566 or 1974@forces.gc.ca.

“Today's cadets participate in a wide range of citizenship, leadership, and physical fitness activities in a safe and supervised environment. Their welfare is our first priority. 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.

“We take the responsibility to protect the young people in our care very seriously—this is paramount in any cadet activity. We deeply regret and will never forget the tragic event in Valcartier. We will remember those we lost, and care for the survivors and those who continue to suffer.”

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Contacts

Major Doug Keirstead
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Chief Reserves and Cadets
Telephone: (613) 996-4314
After hours: (613) 897-2751
doug.keirstead@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Telephone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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Statement by Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, regarding the Ombudsman's report on the 1974 cadet tragedy at CFB Valcartier

Statement

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