High school students sworn into army reserve for co-op program
A dozen high school students from Waterloo Region and Guelph have been sworn into the army reserve as part of a co-op program.
The ceremony was held at the Cambridge Armoury on Saturday.
"Today we swore in 12 recruits who will be here to learn how to become soldiers as part of the co-op program," said Lt.-Col. Shawn Dumbreck of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada.
The students will undergo basic military training while receiving high school co-op credits and financial reimbursement. Students must be 16 years old, have completed grade 10, and have parental consent.
The program took a pandemic pause and has returned at a time when the military is battling with recruitment and retention.
"That has definitely been a major point for both the Chief of Defence Staff and our sitting government to grow this force," said Lt.-Col. Dumbreck.
The army shrunk by 1,200 soldiers in 2021 and roughly 800 in 2022.
"It starts here at the community level. Something like the co-op program brings youth into the armoury and gives them that exposure and taste of military life," said Lt.-Col Dumbreck.
Matthew Van Ravenstein is a new recruit who will be developing the same skills taught through the basic military qualification course. This includes everything from a basic understanding of drills, to proper dress code and deportment.
"I've always wanted to do this," said Van Ravenstein. "Even as a kid I was always looking at them and thinking 'wow I want to do that someday.' A lot of my ancestors did join different militaries, so I think that is a good choice."
The students aren't considered qualified soldiers and may choose to go an entirely different direction following their co-op. But Van Ravenstein wants to go all the way.
"Not a lot of people know about it, and even if they do, are they willing to do it?" said Van Ravenstein. "It does look very frightening because you're like 'what if I have to go overseas? What if I have to leave my family?'"
So for some this opportunity is far more than just a high school credit. It's a chance to be credited for serving their country.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.