What is Ontario Cadets Week?
Ontario Cadets Week is an annual provincial celebration that recognizes the achievements and contributions of Ontario’s cadets, volunteers, officers, instructors, sponsoring committees, and community partners. It was formally established through the Ontario Cadets Week Act, 2022, which proclaims the week beginning on the first Saturday in October each year as Ontario Cadets Week.
The week celebrates the four cadet programs operating in Ontario:
- Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
- Royal Canadian Army Cadets
- Royal Canadian Air Cadets
- Navy League Cadets
These programs help young people develop leadership, citizenship, teamwork, self-confidence, and physical fitness while encouraging community involvement and service.
Purpose of Ontario Cadets Week
Ontario Cadets Week aims to:
- Recognize the accomplishments of cadets across the province
- Promote awareness of the Cadet Program within communities
- Thank the volunteers and supporters who make the programs possible
- Encourage youth to learn about and join cadet programs
- Showcase the positive impact cadets have on their communities through service and leadership
Typical Activities
During Ontario Cadets Week, corps and squadrons may organize:
- Flag-raising ceremonies
- Open houses
- Cadet parades
- Community service projects
- School presentations
- Recruitment events
- Volunteer recognition ceremonies
- Displays at shopping centres, fairs, and community events
- Meetings with municipal councils and elected officials