A group of 12 Alberta post-secondary institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding supporting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reservists who are college employees or students.
The services of Canadian Reservists may be required by the Department of National Defence while having work or study commitments at Lethbridge College or partnered colleges. Leave may be granted under this memorandum, securing their employment and accommodating their studies until they return.
“We are grateful for the service of all of our Canadian Armed Forces and it is important that we support them in whatever way we can,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “If a Reservist is called to duty or has training opportunities, they need to know their education or employment will not be affected. By coming together as a group of Alberta colleges and signing this MOU, we can make a strong statement of support to all of our Reservists.”
Of the approximately 90,000 dedicated men and women serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, 26,000 are Reservists. About 30 per cent of those Reservists are students. As needed, several accommodations will be available for these learners. Tests and assignments can be rescheduled, and a program may be deferred during a lengthy deployment.
As Commander of 41 Canadian Brigade Group (41 CBG), Colonel Eppo van Weelderen, recognizes the importance and value of this formal agreement. “This collaboration among the Alberta colleges is paramount to continue the development of educated, hard-working and strong leaders for Canada,” he says. “This will help provide the necessary supports to our soldiers as they fulfill their duties serving our nation, in our communities and abroad.”
Forty-one CBG is one of three Army Reserve formations within 3rd Canadian Division. Made up of nine units and a brigade headquarters in Calgary, 41 CBG has seen the number of reserve soldiers increase by nearly 10 per cent the past two years, to approximately 1,600 reserve soldiers garrisoned in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer and Yellowknife. Ninety per cent of the soldiers serve part-time.
Carolyn Patton, Alberta Chair of Canadian Forces Liaison Council, views the agreement as mutually advantageous. “This memorandum strengthens the relationship and provides benefits to both parties,” she says. “While serving our country, the Reservists will be able to focus on their duties, and share their skills, knowledge and experiences when they return to their college settings, and communities.”
Reservists’ are not deployed just for combat missions, but also in civil emergencies, such as the 2013 Alberta floods, or recent forest fires in B.C. The Reservists’ diverse skillsets provide tremendous value to colleges, and beyond.
“Reservists acquire unique and varied skillsets, and their efforts benefit all Canadian citizens,” says Dr. Burns. “We are fortunate to have these individuals in our college community and welcome the chance to further support them.”
To join the Canadian Reserve, contact the nearest armoury in your community. For more information and a list of units in your region, visit the Canadian Army Reserve online.
About Canadian Forces Liaison Council: Canadian Forces Liaison Council is a group of more than two hundred Canada-wide senior business executives and educational leaders, a full-time Secretariat and a national network of Reserve officers. The civilians volunteer their time and efforts to promote the primary Reserve Force by highlighting the benefits of Reserve Force training and experience to the civilian workplace. They also support individual Reservists as well as Reserve units in matters related to employer support. The Council’s mandate is to enhance the availability of Reservists for their military duties by obtaining the support and co-operation of organization leaders in Canada. The Council encourages civilian employers and educational institutions to grant Reservists time off on a voluntary basis, without penalty, to allow them to participate in their military activities, duties and training.
Participating institutions include: Alberta Academy of Art and Design, Bow Valley College, Grande Prairie Regional College, Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge College, Medicine Hat College, Norquest College, Northern Lakes College, Olds College, Portage College and Red Deer College.