During the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the Battle of the Atlantic Commemorative Parade in Calgary on May 4, 2025, former honorary colonel Donald Cranston proposed mandatory cadet corps participation for young newcomers to Canada to enhance their integration and understanding of Canadian values. He highlighted that cadets serve as a “school of citizenship,” providing leadership skills and fostering inclusion among diverse immigrant youth. Despite the military’s reluctance to promote the program due to concerns of recruiting child soldiers, Cranston emphasized its potential to build future leaders in Canada.
