RCN Officer Returns to Hawaiʻi During RIMPAC 2026
https://lookoutnewspaper.com/rcn-officer-returns-to-hawai%CA%BBi-during-rimpac-2026/
For 28116 (LtN) Robert (Bob) Seed RMC 2020, participating in Exercise (Ex) Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 has been more than contributing to the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise. It has also been a homecoming.
More than a decade after living on the Hawai‘ian island of Oʻahu as a teenager, Lt(Navy) Seed returned to familiar ground as a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) officer, reconnecting with the school and community that helped shape the path leading him into service.
“This summer I had the fortunate opportunity to participate in the 30th iteration of RIMPAC 2026 based out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,” said Lt(Navy) Seed. “This is particularly special for me, as I graduated from high school on the Windward side of Oʻahu in 2016.”
Lt(Navy) Seed’s connection to Hawaiʻi began in 2014 when his family relocated to Kailua after his father accepted an exchange posting at Pearl Harbor. He spent his final two years of high school at Le Jardin Academy (LJA), a K-12 school nestled beneath the Koʻolau mountain range.
G4232 Sharlene Harding – Basketball Manitoba Podcast
https://www.basketballmanitoba.ca/2026/07/new-episode-sharlene-harding-basketball.html
She is a native of Mississauga, Ontario, where she went to play at Queen’s University and Royal Military College of Canada, becoming an OUA All-Star
She then enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces, where she continued her athletics career and built a high-level athletic and coaching résumé.
She competed in 3 World Military Games and over a dozen World Championships, captained the Canadian Armed Forces National Women’s Soccer Team, and coached at the international level with the CAF National Women’s Basketball program.
Since moving to Winnipeg in 2021, she’s spent time coaching with provincial programs and spent the last two years as Head Coach of the Canadian Mennonite University Blazers women’s basketball team.
She has completed a certificate in High Performance Coaching through the University of British Columbia. She is currently the assistant coach of the Queen’s University Women’s basketball program.
What Makes Peacebuilding Possible?
https://www.smith.edu/news-events/news/what-makes-peacebuilding-possible
In a talk he gave on campus during Reunion weekend in May, Assistant Professor of Government(Smith College) 25488 Cheng Xu RMC 2012 noted that “so much of what we research, what we choose to look at, is informed by our life experiences.”
In Xu’s case, that includes a nearly 10-year stint as an infantry officer and paratrooper in the Canadian Army.
“I never thought that I would become an academic,” says Xu, whose mother left China in the 1990s to settle in Canada after having separated from his father.
At the Royal Military College of Canada “I struggled at first with finding my footing,” Xu says. “But then the politics classes clicked with me. And by my sophomore year, I’d developed a strong interest in research and writing.”
Xu’s Reunion lecture, “The Rebel’s Bargain: Informal Norms, Local Customs, and the Folk Practices of Conflict Management,” grew out of his research on rebel groups in the Philippines, and prospects for peacebuilding in the face of insurgency and state political violence.
We are pleased to share the Change of Command for Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau), that was held on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. This Change of Command is an important opportunity to recognize the efforts of the Group’s mandate under the leadership of 20969 Colonel J.R. Toope, CD RRMC RMC 1998 and welcome Colonel J.F. Bidal, CD, as the new CFSG(O-G) Commander.
Nous sommes heureux de partager la passation de commandement pour le Groupe de soutien des Forces canadiennes (Ottawa-Gatineau), qui s’est déroulée le mardi 30 juin 2026. Cette passation de commandement est une occasion importante de reconnaître les efforts déployés dans le cadre du mandat du Groupe sous la direction du colonel J.R. Toope, CD, et de souhaiter la bienvenue au colonel J.F. Bidal, CD, en tant que nouveau commandant du GSFC(O-G
Jeremy Hansen announced his retirement to pursue new professional opportunities
21364 Colonel Jeremy Hansen RMC 1999 is retiring as an active astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency after making history as the first Canadian assigned to a lunar mission.
The federal government recognized Hansen on Monday, July 6, for his contributions to Canada’s space program and his role with Artemis II, the first crewed mission around the Moon since Apollo.
There is also a Kingston connection.
Hansen is a former Royal Military College of Canada student. His time at RMC links the city to one of the most high-profile Canadian space careers in recent history.
Hansen is expected to begin pursuing new professional opportunities in September, while continuing to serve as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Hansen became the first Canadian to take part in a lunar mission through Artemis II. The mission also made him one of the latest people to make a round trip to the Moon.
The Réseau Compassion Network Board of Directors is pleased to announce that 18303 Éric Charron RMC 1992 has accepted the position as incoming CEO for the organization, succeeding Daniel Lussier
-https://reseaucompassionnetwork.ca/introducing-our-new-ceo-eric-charron/
Éric Charron is an inspirational leader with recent experience in the nonprofit sector, specifically at the Canadian Red Cross, where he led a team composed of support staff and volunteers from across Canada through First Nations community large-scale evacuations from 2023 to 2025. At the Canadian Red Cross, he conducted After Actions Reviews to anticipate future risks, led personal disaster assistance programs and he leveraged networks to build strong, effective relationships with community leaders and external stakeholders.
As Deputy Minister for Advanced Education, Skills, Immigration and Labour, Éric Charron provided guidance on Human Resources, Strategic Business Planning, in-year financial management, and implementation of strategies, programs and guidelines aligned with government priorities.
A former trusted military officer, Éric Charron was Base Commander in Winnipeg for the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he led approximately 1000 personnel, both civilian and military, with responsibilities including operations, health and mental wellness and experience spanning human resources integration, financial and project management, community outreach, media engagement, information technology, and policy development. As the first non-operator Air Force officer selected as local Base Commander, and with an engineering background, he brings decades of proven, trustworthy, and compassionate leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Putting physical fitness and mental resilience to the test with Ex MOUNTAIN RAM
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/news/regional-news/western-sentinel/2026/07/ex-mountain-ram-26-en.html
This year’s race featured 217 competitors at the starting line, and 212 who crossed the finish line more than four hours later. Capt Chadwick explained only five racers did not complete the race, a relatively low number compared to previous years.
Ex MOUNTAIN RAM is not the only event of its kind in the CAF.
“Many of the Canadian Army’s Regular Force brigades run their own endurance events to provide a physical fitness [and] mental resiliency test for its members,” explained Capt Chadwick. “It’s something that can be completed by all CAF trades and rank levels.”
Both 2 CMBG at CFB Petawawa and 5 CMBG at CFB Valcartier, along with CFB Gagetown, host their own competitions during the year. In fact, Capt Chadwick said soldiers deployed in Latvia run Ex BALTIC WARRIOR, a team event which also features running, portaging and canoeing.
Taking part in Ex MOUNTAIN RAM is purely voluntary, but CAF members are highly encouraged to attempt it at least once during their career. And if they’re posted to another base that offers a similar style of event, members are encouraged to participate in their new local race if interested. That’s what 26941 Capt Chadwick RMC 2017 has done, having competed in CFB Petawawa’s Ex IRON WARRIOR while he was a student at the Royal Military College of Canada. “It was a really great experience,” he said. “I was able to compete in the race two years in a row and it’s something I look back on fondly. Once you do an event like that, it helps push your own physical and mental limits, allowing you to continue to take on harder challenges.” Capt Chadwick added stress‑testing oneself physically and mentally can only be beneficial when it comes time for complicated military training exercises, or when a deployment throws up an unexpected challenge.
Scott Taylor: Canadian Armed Forces rumour mill fueled up
It began as a series of humorous posts on social media sites.
Given the propensity for military members to leak information to the media and the fact that there is allegedly photographic evidence of an infraction in this case, Department of National Defence public affairs decided to be somewhat proactive. They confirmed to media outlets that Commanding Officer Lt.-Col. Jason Hudson and Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Kim Doerr had indeed been relieved of their command positions.
# 2024-164 Careers, RMC Physical Performance Test
https://www.canada.ca/en/military-grievances-external-review/services/case-summaries/case-2024-164.html
Case summary
F&R Date: 2025-12-16
The grievor contested the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) decision to remove him from the Regular Officer Training Program (ROTP) and full-time studies. The grievor contended that following his failure of the Royal Military College (RMC) Physical Performance Test (PPT), he was placed under ROTP-Civilian University; however, he was later found responsible for an Academic Integrity Violation (AIV) and removed from his academic program. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Continuing Education Officer Training Plan (CEOTP) to complete his studies on a part-time basis. The grievor questioned the emphasis placed on the fitness pillar and contested his transfer to CEOTP asserting that it does not align with the conditions agreed upon in his initial contract with the CAF. As redress, he requested authorization to return to RMC to complete his degree.
The Commander Canadian Defence Academy, acting as the Initial Authority (IA) denied the grievance asserting that there was the expectation of high standards to graduate from RMC with four pillars that apply to all cadets. The IA noted that the grievor had signed an agreement with the CAF agreeing that he would receive subsidized education as long as he fulfilled certain requirements including being successful at the PPT. Given that he had not met this requirement, the CAF had to modify their agreement; however, under the CEOTP, he would have the option to complete his degree at any university. The IA determined that the decision to transfer the grievor to the CEOTP was fair and rendered with equitable application of policies.
The Committee determined that, despite failing the PPT and committing an AIV, the grievor was granted the opportunity to complete a university degree under the CEOTP subsidized by the CAF and continue his military career in his chosen occupation. The Committee found that in the grievor’s circumstances, considering the potential alternatives including release, the CAF‘s decision was fair, justified, and consistent with policy and therefore, the grievor was not aggrieved by this decision. The Committee recommended that the Final Authority not afford the grievor redress.
# 2024-142 Careers, RMC Physical Performance Test
Case summary
F&R Date: 2025-12-12
The grievor contested the denial of his request to finish his Engineering degree in person at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), after failing to achieve the required standard in the Physical Performance Test. As redress, the grievor requested to be permitted to complete his degree at RMC in person, with a change from the Regular Office Training Plan – RMC (ROTP-RMC) to ROTP – Civilian University (ROTP-CivU).
The Commander Canadian Defence Academy, acting as the Initial Authority (IA), denied the grievance noting that for the RMC leadership, allowing cadets who had failed the ROTP to return to the college would create a double standard regarding how cadets can graduate. Furthermore, the IA noted that even though the grievor’s occupation was not open to the Continuing Education Officer Training Plan (CEOTP) path, he had been granted a waiver to remain in the occupation with a General Science degree instead of the desired Engineering degree. The IA determined that the decision to direct the grievor to complete his bachelor’s degree under the CEOTP was fair and in compliance with regulations.
The Committee found the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) rationale for not allowing a double standard for candidates both compelling and justified. The Committee noted that maintaining morale within a military unit would be significantly challenging if different standards of effort were imposed on separate groups, yet both ultimately earned the same degree. Moreover, although the grievor had failed to meet the required standard of the physical fitness pillar, he was afforded the chance to complete a program through CEOTP and continue his military career. Furthermore, the Committee confirmed that, ultimately, due to the unique circumstances of his degree and his academic path the grievor was permitted to complete his desired academic program through the CEOTP and accommodated by RMC. The Committee found that in the grievor’s circumstances, considering the potential alternatives including release, the CAF‘s decision was fair, justified, and consistent with policy. The Committee recommended that the Final Authority not afford the grievor redress.
# 2024-141 Careers, RMC Physical Performance Test
Case summary
F&R Date: 2025-11-25
The grievor contested the decision and recommendation rendered by a Progress Review Board (PRB), which resulted in his Compulsory Occupation Transfer (COT) to a Non-Commissioned Member (NCM) occupation. The grievor contended that, having failed the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Physical Performance Test (PPT), a PRB determined that he would be placed under the Continuing Education Officer Training Plan (CEOTP). Subsequently, he was found guilty of a fourth academic integrity violation (AIV) and notified of a one-year suspension from RMC. The grievor argued that combining academic suspension with a COT to an NCM occupation was unjust and disproportional to the offence. As redress, he requested that the results of the PRB be set aside, his academic suspension stand, and be given the opportunity to complete the fourth year of his degree under the CEOTP at RMC.
The Commander Canadian Defence Academy, acting as the Initial Authority (IA), denied the grievance noting that, after failing the PPT, the grievor had been given the opportunity to continue in the Regular Officer Training Program – Civilian University. Moreover, the grievor had also been given leniency regarding three previous AIVs; however, he had then committed a fourth one. The IA remarked that a fourth AIVs demonstrated a significant shortcoming in exemplifying the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) standard of ethos. The IA determined that the PRB recommendation had been fair and the grievor had been treated fairly in accordance with the applicable rules, regulations, and policies.
The Committee determined that the grievor had failed to meet not only the RMC‘s physical fitness pillar but the academic pillar as well, having committed four separate AIVs. Furthermore, despite failing the PPT and accumulating four AIVs, the grievor was granted the opportunity to continue his military career as an NCM. The Committee found that given the grievor’s circumstances, considering the possible alternatives including release, the CAF‘s decision was justified and consistent with policy and therefore, the grievor was not aggrieved by this decision. The Committee recommended that the Final Authority not afford the grievor redress.
3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) marked a Change of Command ceremony, as 23896 Lieutenant-Colonel J.A. Hudson RMC 2008 transferred command to 24601 Lieutenant-Colonel J.M.P. Cressall RMC 2010.
The ceremony also included the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Colonel of the Regiment Change of Appointment, with Brigadier-General (Retired) R.R. Romses passing the appointment to Major-General (Retired) D.A. Fraser in the presence of The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Colonel-in-Chief of the PPCLI.
Ceremonies such as these are important milestones in the life of a battalion and regiment. They provide an opportunity to reflect on the past, recognize the contributions of those who have served, and reaffirm our commitment to the future.
As the Canadian Army adapts to an evolving security environment, 3 PPCLI remains focused on developing soldiers and leaders capable of meeting the challenges of modern warfare. Built on a proud legacy of service, the Battalion continues to strengthen the leadership, cohesion, and combat effectiveness that have defined generations of Patricia soldiers.
Thank you to the soldiers, families, veterans, and distinguished guests who joined us to mark this important occasion.
Change of Command ceremony of Lieutenant-Colonel J.A Hudson to Lieutenant-Colonel J.M.P Cressall and Change of Appointment ceremony of Brigadier-General (retired) R.R. Romses to Major General (retired) D.A. Fraser at Lecture Training Facility, Edmonton Alberta captured on 29 June 2026. Photo credit: Sailor First Class Alexander Koller
Le 3e Bataillon du Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) a souligné une cérémonie de passation de commandement au cours de laquelle le lieutenant-colonel J.A. Hudson a cédé le commandement au lieutenant-colonel J.M.P. Cressall.
La cérémonie comprenait également la passation de la nomination de colonel du régiment du Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, au cours de laquelle le brigadier-général (à la retraite) R.R. Romses a transmis cette fonction au major-général (à la retraite) D.A. Fraser, en présence de la très honorable Adrienne Clarkson, colonelle en chef du PPCLI.
Ces cérémonies constituent des jalons importants dans la vie d’un bataillon et d’un régiment. Elles offrent l’occasion de réfléchir au passé, de reconnaître les contributions de celles et ceux qui ont servi, et de réaffirmer notre engagement envers l’avenir.
Alors que l’Armée canadienne s’adapte à un environnement de sécurité en constante évolution, le 3 PPCLI demeure résolu à former des soldats et des chefs capables de relever les défis de la guerre moderne. Fort d’un héritage remarquable de service, le bataillon continue de renforcer le leadership, la cohésion et l’efficacité au combat qui caractérisent depuis des générations les soldats Patricia.
Merci aux militaires, aux familles, aux vétérans et aux invités de marque qui se sont joints à nous pour souligner cette importante occasion.
On 29 June, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG) marked a transition in leadership as command passed from 21357 Brigadier-General Sean French RMC 1997 to Colonel Michael Reekie, while the appointment of Brigade Sergeant-Major transferred from Chief Warrant Officer Bill King to Chief Warrant Officer Nathan Mills. During the ceremony, Lieutenant-General Michael Wright promoted Col French to the rank of Brigadier-General in recognition of his exceptional leadership and service.
Over the past two years, 1 CMBG has operated at a high tempo. Brigade soldiers repeatedly deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia, supported the training of Ukrainian forces on Operation UNIFIER, responded to domestic emergencies through multiple rotations of Operation LENTUS, and provided security for the G7 Summit on Operation CADENCE. Brigade units have trained across Canada and deployed as far afield as the Philippines, demonstrating the readiness, professionalism, and adaptability of Canada’s Army.
As the Canadian Armed Forces modernize and prepare for increasingly complex operational demands, 1 CMBG has continued to deliver at home and abroad while maintaining its focus on building combat-ready teams and developing the soldiers and leaders who form the foundation of the Army’s fighting power.
Thank you to BGen French and CWO King for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to the brigade. Welcome to Col Reekie and CWO Mills as they take up their new appointments and lead 1 CMBG into its next chapter.
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- Captain Adam MacKenzie presents Clarissa Campbell with flowers during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
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- Colonel Sean French, outgoing 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Commander, hands Chief Warrant Officer Nathaniel Mills, incoming 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Sergeant-Major, the Brigade pace stick as a symbolic transfer of authority during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
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- Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, with assistance from wife Julie Berndt-French, and daughter Amelia French, promote Brigadier-General Sean French to their current rank during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
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- Corporal Tyler Veilleux, driver for the Commander of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, presents Colonel Sean French, outgoing 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Commander, with the distinguishing pennant from the staff vehicle during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
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- Brigadier-General Wade Rutland, 3rd Canadian Division Commander, presents Colonel Sean French, outgoing 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Commander, with the 3rd Canadian Division branding iron during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
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- Colonel Sean French, outgoing 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Commander, presents Chief Warrant Officer William King, outgoing 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Sergeant-Major with a gift during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
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- Colonel Michael Reekie, incoming 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Commander, Brigadier-General Wade Rutland, 3rd Canadian Division Commander, and Colonel Sean French, outgoing 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Commander, sign Change of Command scrolls during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
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- Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, with assistance from wife Julie Berndt-French, and daughter Amelia French, promote Brigadier-General Sean French to their current rank during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
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- Captain Adam MacKenzie presents Lieutenant-Colonel Dorris Berschied-King with flowers during the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Change of Command parade at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta, on June 29, 2026. Photo: Master Corporal Robert Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Imagery Technician
Le 29 juin, le 1er Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada (1 GBMC) a souligné une transition de leadership alors que le commandement est passé du brigadier-général Sean French au colonel Michael Reekie, tandis que le poste de sergent-major de brigade a été transféré de l’adjudant-chef Bill King à l’adjudant-chef Nathan Mills. Lors de la cérémonie, le lieutenant-général Michael Wright a promu le colonel French au grade de brigadier-général en reconnaissance de son leadership exceptionnel et de son service exemplaire.
Au cours des deux dernières années, le 1 GBMC a maintenu un rythme opérationnel soutenu. Les soldats de la brigade ont été déployés à plusieurs reprises dans le cadre de l’opération REASSURANCE en Lettonie, ont appuyé l’instruction des forces ukrainiennes dans le cadre de l’opération UNIFIER, ont répondu à des urgences nationales lors de multiples rotations de l’opération LENTUS et ont assuré la sécurité du Sommet du G7 dans le cadre de l’opération CADENCE. Les unités de la brigade se sont entraînées partout au Canada et ont été déployées jusqu’aux Philippines, démontrant l’état de préparation, le professionnalisme et l’adaptabilité de l’Armée canadienne.
Alors que les Forces armées canadiennes se modernisent et se préparent à des exigences opérationnelles de plus en plus complexes, le 1 GBMC a continué à remplir sa mission au pays comme à l’étranger tout en maintenant son engagement à former des équipes prêtes au combat et à développer les soldats et les chefs qui constituent le fondement de la puissance de combat de l’Armée.
Merci au brigadier-général French et à l’adjudant-chef King pour leur dévouement, leur leadership et leur engagement envers la brigade. Bienvenue au colonel Reekie et à l’adjudant-chef Mills alors qu’ils assument leurs nouvelles fonctions et dirigent le 1 GBMC vers son prochain chapitre.
MCpl / Caporal-chef Robert Mitchell
On June 25, 2026, Her Excellency Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, invested new Members to the Order of Canada.
8453 David F. Pelly, C.M., C.D. – RMC Class of 1970
“Passionate about the Arctic since he first experienced the region by canoe, David Pelly has been dedicated to preserving and honouring Indigenous history and customs for decades. Many Inuit elders have entrusted this ethnographer and author with putting their stories of traditional life into writing.” – Office of the Governor General
David F. Pelly is the author of ten books about Arctic Canada, much of his writing based on the oral history and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit shared with him by Inuit elders during his years in the Far North, 1982-2018. www.davidpelly.com
He is also a Co-Founder of the Ayalik Fund, a registered Canadian charity with a mandate to assist Inuit youth. www.AyalikFund.ca
Royal Military College of Canada offering globally validated Certificate in Accounting
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2026/06/royal-military-college-of-canada.html
The Certificate in Accounting offered by the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) to Defence Team members is now officially recognized by the UK-based international accountancy membership and standard-setting body: the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA ). CIPFA is the world’s only professional accounting body dedicated exclusively to public sector finance.
“CIPFA is pleased to recognize the Certificate in Accounting offered by RMC. It not only provides assurance that the highest professional standards are being applied in the defence sector but also helps strengthen public finance careers in Canada,” said Iain Murray, Director of Public Financial Management, CIPFA.
This recognition means that graduates may benefit from five module exemptions toward the Canadian Public Finance Accreditation (CPFA), a credential delivered by CIPFA. These exemptions enable graduates to advance significantly in pursuing both the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and the CPFA qualification, providing a strong pathway into public sector finance careers.
Recognized by leading international institutions including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund; CIPFA recognition signals that RMC’s CPA Professionalization Program meets the highest global expectations for public financial management.
“This is more than a certificate,” said Nabil Messabia, RMC Associate Professor, Coordinator, Chartered Professional Accountant-related programs. “It’s a direct pathway to a globally aligned professional standard.”
“It strengthens comptrollership capability, elevates financial governance credibility, and improves interoperability with allied public-sector finance communities for Defence professionals,” he added.
“If Defence Team members’ careers sit at the intersection of accountability, stewardship, and mission readiness, this recognition puts them on the right track, faster,” said Marc Y. Tassé, RMC Assistant professor, Associate MBA Chair and Academic Advisor.
Walter Dorn, professor of defence studies at the Royal Military College & Canadian Forces College, joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss the Sentinel-Airlogix partnership.
On Thursday July 9, the Royal Canadian Air Force Aerospace Warefare Centre held a Change of Command ceremony. 22564 Colonel Allan Ferriss RMC 2003, relinquished command to 22793 Colonel Tania Maurice RMC 2004, presided over by Deputy Commander of the RCAF, Major-General Denis O’Reilly.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Aerospace Warfare Centre stands at the very forefront of our modernization efforts, ensuring the RCAF is fully prepared for the demands of the fifth-generation Air Force and beyond. This change of command marks not a closure, but a renewal—strengthening the Centre’s vital role in driving operational readiness and ensuring our members can meet future challenges head-on.
Canadian Defence Review
Canada Must Leapfrog in Defence Production
The first lesson I learned about defence procurement came at the Royal Military College. I remember our outstanding Canadian military history professor, the late Professor Ron Haycock, telling us about the problems Canada encountered between the world wars by allowing our capabilities in shipbuilding, munitions and other defence production to atrophy. We stood up incredible capability during World War I – I wrote about this in a previous essay – but allowed it all to be dismantled quickly thereafter. I also learned the lesson about domestic capability as Conservative Leader during the COVID-19 pandemic when we could not rely on the United States for masks or vaccines because they restricted their export at a time of crisis. The lesson for Canadians is that sovereign capability cannot be created overnight, so it must be a strategic priority to build and maintain it.
