Service in Canada

1867 – present

For more than 100 years, millions of Canadians have proudly served our country in uniform. While the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are known to put their lives on the line to support international operations, they also fulfill important roles on home soil.

They provide national and regional security, serve on search and rescue missions and respond to natural disasters.

Missions in Canada

Operation Persistence
September 1998
When disaster strikes, Canada's military is at the ready. In September 1998, the Canadian Armed Forces responded to the Swissair Flight 111 tragedy…
1998 Ice Storm
January – February 1998
When disaster strikes, Canada’s military can come to the rescue. In the winter of 1998, the CAF responded to the storm of a lifetime — right here at…
Domestic security and law enforcement
The Canadian Armed Forces help protect Canada by patrolling our borders, and remaining ready to defend our country.
Disaster relief and humanitarian response
The highly trained Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are an invaluable resource when natural disasters strike.

Related Lesson Plans

SummaryStudents will be challenged to create a 3-day emergency kit as they learn about how Canadian Armed Forces Veterans have helped Canadians respond to natural disasters.An optional extension…
Age group: 12 - 15
The Tales of Animals in War newspaper is for ages 5 to 11 to introduce the concepts of remembrance and thanks to younger children.A new edition is issued each fall in advance of Remembrance Day and…
Age group: 5 - 11
An activity booklet for young children that introduces concepts of remembrance in an accessible and fun manner.A new edition is issued each fall in advance of Remembrance Day and Veterans' Week.Learn…
Age group: 5 - 8
Table of contents

Order of events

 

1970

October Crisis

 

1985

Crash of Arrow Air Flight 1285

 

1996

Saguenay flood

 

1997

Red River floods

 

1998

Crash of Swissair Flight 111

 

1998

Eastern Canada ice storm

 

2003

Forest fires in British Columbia

 

2010

Hurricane Igor hits Newfoundland and Labrador

 

2016

Alberta wildfires

 

2020

COVID-19 pandemic response