PROGRAMS FOR INDIGENOUS CANADIANS The Canadian Armed Forces has a number of unique programs to provide Indigenous Peoples with an opportunity to learn about an exciting career with the military. Whether participants decide to join or not, these programs offer interesting opportunities to gain skills and knowledge about the Canadian Armed Forces. Aboriginal Leadership Opportunities Year: Provides a one-year educational and leadership experience through the Royal Military College (RMC) of Canada. During the program, participants are enrolled as Officer Cadets and receive free tuition and books. Participants have the option to continue at RMC in a degree program with the Forces. Bold Eagle, Raven, Black Bear: These three summer training programs combine military lifestyle with cultural awareness to give a six-week taste of military training with the option – but no commitment – to join the Canadian Armed Forces. Training is based on the Army Reserve Basic military qualification and covers topics such as weapons handling, navigation, first-aid, drill and survival skills. All three programs begin with a Culture Camp taught by Elders of different First Nations and Indigenous groups, to ease the transition from civilian to military lifestyle and to ground the training in common spiritual beliefs. Canadian Armed Forces Aboriginal Entry Program: This special three-week program allows hands-on experience with military training, careers, and lifestyle with no obligation to join the Forces. Participants receive a stipend and a certificate of military achievement for completing the program. Transport, accommodation, food, clothing and equipment are provided for the duration of the course while participants learn about the long and proud history of Indigenous Canadians in the military and take part in exercises similar to basic training. committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining more women in the Canadian Armed Forces across all ranks and promoting women into senior leadership positions. The Canadian Armed Forces is committed to gender equality and providing a work environment where women are welcomed, supported and respected. Once recruited, the Canadian Armed Forces needs to follow through with modern, world-class training that will put new recruits on a solid foundation to succeed. This will require adapting training to meet the highly technical requirements of modern militaries, and the Canadian Armed Forces will also need to demonstrate to potential recruits that the military can offer competitive training and technical certifications on par with the standards of industry and the private sector. This includes maintaining the long tradition of providing the complete range of military education through proud institutions such as the Royal Military College of Canada, renewed Collège militaire royal in St-Jean, and the Canadian Forces College. It is imperative that we protect our investment in the expertise and knowledge of our people. This policy includes a number of initiatives designed to help the Canadian Armed Forces retain the talented people it recruits. The Canadian Armed Forces will keep remuneration and benefits of Regular and Reserve personnel under constant review, to ensure that military personnel receive fair compensation for their service to Canada. The Canadian Armed Forces’ competitive compensation package goes TAX RELIEF ON DEPLOYED OPERATIONS: Currently, the tax relief benefit for military personnel on deployed operations is applied inconsistently. This benefit is meant to acknowledge the considerable sacrifices Canadian Armed Forces members and their families make in defence of Canada and its values, when deployed internationally. A more consistent application of this benefit will improve morale and recognize the burdens taken on by military members and their families in service of our country. 21