This text appeared in the paper edition of November 30, 2022

The Canadian Forces (CAF) are struggling to diversify their ranks. In 2021, women and visible minorities made up almost a quarter of their total workforce. As CAF faces serious recruitment challenges, experts say the issue of inclusion is vital to the organisation’s future.

For Charlotte Duval-Lantoine, operations director of Canada’s Global Affairs Institute (CIAM) in Ottawa, the under-representation of women and cultural minorities in the CAF is problematic. ” How can people trust an organization if the latter does not [la] not sufficiently represented? “, She asks.

According to Mourad Djebabla, historian and associate professor at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, the complex relationship between the Canadian Army and cultural minorities is not new. He says that historically, the CAF has always wanted to project the image of a male, white, Anglo-Saxon organization.

Inclusion became a priority for the CAF starting in 1993, the year the military organization’s reputation was tarnished by the exposure of the Somalia affair.

On March 16, 1993, Somali teenager Shidane Arone was tortured to death by Canadian soldiers from the 2nd Commando Airborne Regiment stationed in Somalia as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

In 1997, the unveiling of an investigative report into the events indicated significant training and leadership deficiencies within the CAF. The case forced the organization to review all military training, particularly with regard to overseas deployments. ” There is a profound difference in the military culture fostered by the generations of officers who joined the armed forces before and after the affair. ‘ Mourad Djebabla admits.

As for women, Charlotte Duval-Lantoine believes that their difficulties in integrating into the CAF begin during the military training process, during the physical aptitude tests. ” To date, the criteria for passing these tests do not take into account the physical abilities of women. The failure rate of women in these tests is therefore higher than that of their male counterparts. », explains the Director of Operations for ICAM.

Ms Duval-Lantoine adds that the low number of women reaching the general ranks, as well as the numerous sexual misconduct scandals that have plagued the organization in recent years, are undoubtedly detrimental to the recruitment of women into the Canadian Army.

The strategic advantages

Retired Chief Warrant Officer Marina Roberge dedicated more than 40 years of her life to the CAF. As a woman, her path was not easy. ” Joining a predominantly male organization is physically difficult. […] I happened to feel like a salmon climbing Niagara Falls ‘ she testifies to summarize the challenges she has overcome throughout her career.

Still, the retired soldier believes women can shine in the CAF provided they prepare to work tirelessly and have the courage to speak out. ” We are complementary to men. Our view of things is different and can bring a lot to the organization “, She says.

Marina Roberge adds that diversity makes a workplace like CAF stronger and richer. Mourad Djebabla shares this opinion. He believes that a diverse army is more effective.

” The Canadian Army is now trying to forge links with local communities. In this way, it is able to build genuine relationships of trust with the population. […] By winning people’s hearts, the armed forces managed to make strategic gains says the associate professor at the Royal Military College of Canada.

Into the future

According to Charlotte Duval-Lantoine, the CAF is on track to meet its inclusion goals. But in order to achieve this, the military leadership must show a willingness to act. ” We cannot limit ourselves to adding [femmes et des personnes issues des minorités visibles] From where [à mettre en place] Politics. A change in military structure is required ‘ she warns.

Currently, most promotions go to armed forces, which are predominantly male.

” Changes are taking place, but you must be patient because it will take some time before you see the results. ‘ says Mourad Djebabla.

The professor points out that the military now have more freedom in their self-expression. As of this summer, men are allowed to wear beards and long hair. ” This could help recruit more officers from cultural minorities ‘ says Mr Djebabla.

The latter adds that inclusion is one of the key solutions to address the labor shortage within the CAF. In October 2022, the organization advertised more than 10,000 job offers.

Because of her years of loyal service, Marina Roberge claims women have more opportunities within the CAF than in the past.

The retired chief warrant officer, who has mentored hundreds of young people during his career, is reassured by youth. ” Young people are more open-minded, alert and hard-working than ever. They’re just trying to make the world beautiful She says.

Mention illustration: Léonie Rioult