Who We Are

To influence the development of Saskatchewan youth to become excellent citizens, throughprograms which provide education, recreation, leadership skills, and aviation exposure.

The Air Cadet program operates within a partnership agreement between the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL) which is a civilian, non-profit, community-based and volunteer-led organization. The Saskatchewan Provincial Committee of the ACL (SKACL) is administered by an Executive committee under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Directors are elected by members of the SKACL at the Annual General Meeting.

Vision

To develop in each and every Air Cadet, qualities of leadership and an aspiration to become a valued member of their community. We reinforce values necessary to prepare youth to meet the challenges of tomorrow and embrace a multi-cultural Saskatchewan. To this end, we offer dynamic training in a supportive and efficient environment where change is a positive and essential element. We further commit to attaining this vision by living shared Canadian values with particular attention to:

    • LOYALTY: the expression of our collective dedication to the ideals of the Air Cadet
      movement and to all its members;
    • PROFESSIONALISM: the accomplishment of all tasks with pride and diligence;
    • MUTUAL RESPECT: the treatment of others with dignity and equality; and
    • INTEGRITY: the courage and commitment to exemplify trust, sincerity, and honesty.

Responsibilities

  • Camp Saskadet funding and operation
  • Funding and supporting the Air Cadet flying program, including gliding operations and
    ownership of all gliders, tow planes, and equipment for gliding centres
  • Effective Speaking competition
  • Curling
  • Coordinate the application and merit-ranking process (including selection boards) for National (6-week) summer courses, including Power & Glider Pilot Scholarship, and the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE).
  • Conduct an annual province-wide car lottery raffle and golf tournament
  • Conduct nationally mandated activities, such as Registration & Screening of Volunteers, and administration of the Air Cadet Service Medal
  • Director oversight & camp; support of squadrons
  • Run an annual Photo Contest
  • Maintain a close relationship with regional Squadron Sponsoring Committees (SSC), which are parent’s committee of squadrons
  • Represent the air cadet program in Saskatchewan, including air cadet squadrons, to its DND and Aviation & Aerospace partners, all other stakeholders in the program, and the public and opinion makers
  • Recognize the achievements of volunteer members, cadets, and military partners.

History

1940 (Early World War II)

  • Government idea was to select teenaged youth to serve as aircrew in the RoyalCanadian Air Force

1941

  • Air Cadet League formed (April 9) as a country-wide volunteer organization tosponsor and develop a training program for young men to fly during World WarII
  • 79 squadrons across Canada at the end of the year

1942

  • 135 squadrons and 10,000 Air Cadets by mid-year

1943

  • 315 squadrons with 23,000 Air Cadets

1944

  • 374 squadrons and 29,000+ Air Cadets, 1,750 officers & instructors, 2,000civilians – this was the peak of the air cadet program

1946 (Post World War II)

  • Since the was ended, the primary focus was no longer to recruit and trainmilitary pilots
  • Air Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) expandcadet program to include areas such as leadership, citizenship, physical fitness,and a continued connection with the military
  • Flying scholarship courses and summer courses created

1951 (Air Cadet League’s 10th anniversary)

  • 65,000 young Canadian had worn the Air Cadet uniform and participated intraining up to this time

1961

  • 20 th Anniversary
  • 150,000 Air Cadets had received training so far
  • 332 squadrons across Canada

1968

  • New partnership created with Canadian Armed Forces, replacing the RoyalCanadian Air Force partnership

1975

  • Official participation of girls approved by parliament (July 30)
  • Uniforms changed to green

1990's

  • Uniforms changed back to blue
  • Approximately 1,000,000 (one million) Canadians had participated in the AirCadet program by this time

Present

  • 50,000 Canadians involved in some way with the Air Cadet movement
  • 453 active Air Cadet squadrons across Canada
  • 26,000 active Air Cadets across Canada
  • New broader purpose of the program: leadership, citizenship, physical fitness,general aviation, and stimulating an interest in the Canadian Forces