An Investigation into the 1974 Valcartier Cadets Grenade Incident

June 2015

On July 30, 1974, at a summer camp for army cadets held at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, a live grenade exploded during a course on ordnance safety, killing six young cadets and injuring dozens more. Also present and impacted by this tragedy were Regular Force instructors and Reservists who received immediate and long-term assistance through their status as members of the Canadian Forces.

Progress report on the status of recommendations

March 2019

•  2 Recommendations Made
•  2 Recommendations Accepted 
•  2 Recommendations Implemented 

Progress report definitions

Recommendation 1

The Department of National Defence immediately offer assessments to all those who claimed to have been adversely or permanently affected by this incident to determine the physical and psychological care required, and based on these assessments, fund a reasonable care plan.

Recommendation 1 status:  Accepted  Implemented

Recommendation 2

Following the full assessment and definition of the long-term needs of the affected individuals, and in order to ensure that they are treated in a way that reflects Canadian values, it is recommended that the Department of National Defence, under the direction of the Minister, award them an immediate and reasonable financial compensation in line with jurisprudence in similar situations.

Recommendation 1 status:  Accepted  Implemented

Next Steps

Although all recommendations are considered to be implemented, our Office will continue to periodically contact the responsible office regarding the remaining affected individuals.