Veteran's Organizations

Defence Associations were advocacy groups, generally formed by specific branches or regiments of the military, which existed to represent the interests of their branch/regiment as well as the military as a whole. They provided political support for matters of policy in which the military itself was unable to play a role due to the apolitical nature of the Canadian military. As well, they played a role in public education.

Veteran's Associations were groups formed by individual regiments/corps/branches with the intent of fostering contacts between former soldiers, often by annual reunions or general meetings, as well as promoting the welfare of that regiment/corps/branch. They sometimes included serving soldiers but did not play a political role in the sense that the defence associations did.


The Conference of Defence Associations

The Conference of Defence Associations was established in 1932, evolving into the oldest and most influential advocacy group in Canada’s defence community, representing thirty one associations from all parts of the country. It was established as a non-partisan, independent, non-profit organization, restricting its aim solely to security and defence issues. The CDA expressed its ideas and opinions with a view to influencing government security and defence policy.

Objectives

Stated objectives of the group:

  • Consideration of problems of national security
  • Assisting the Government of Canada place those problems before Canadians
  • Co-ordinating the activities of member associations in matters of common interest affecting all Branches and Services of the Canadian Forces
  • Making recommendations to the Government of Canada through the Minister of National Defence, various Parliamentary Committees and other appropriate channels.
  • Promoting the efficiency and well being of the Canadian Forces.

CDA Institute (CDAI)

The CDA Institute was created as a component of the CDA charged with providing public information services on national security and defence issues by conducting studies, seminars and symposia, and publishing their results, both electronically and in print.

 

 

 

 
 

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