The Canadian Cadet Organizations, organized under the name of Cadets Canada, are a youth program known as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces, nor is the program a prerequisite for military service. In 1862, five years before Confederation, “drill associations” were set up in Canada to respond to the Fenian Raids and the American Civil War. These early drill associations served to train militia and were open to people over the age of 13.
In 1879, the government authorized the creation of 74 “Association[s] for Drill in Educational Institutions”. Drill associations were open to male youth over age 14 and did not entail active service in the military. The 1885 Riel Rebellion motivated increased support to these youth drill associations. By 1887, they were called the “cadet corps” and were open to boys over the age of 12.
On July 30, 1970 (the result of a change in in legislation) girls were officially permitted to join government-supported cadet corps and squadrons.
Left Cadet Uniform
Right Memorial plaque
(WGCC)