By Canadian Press

Military’s chief orders halt to non-essential activities, focus on personnel crisis

Oct 6, 2022 | 6:01 AM

OTTAWA — Defence chief Gen. Wayne Eyre is ordering an immediate halt to all non-essential activities in favour of boosting military recruitment and retention efforts, with the Canadian Armed Forces facing an unprecedented personnel crisis.

Eyre issued the order to senior commanders across the country this morning, saying dramatic action is needed to ensure the military has the troops it needs to respond to growing demands at home and abroad.

Recruitment rates have lagged behind requirements at the same time as many parts of the military are struggling with a significant shortage of experienced service members.

Eyre’s order, which has been expected for months, aims to set a new direction for the Armed Forces after years of high-tempo deployments and operations in Canada and overseas by making recruitment and retention its top priorities.

Military commanders will take a closer look at which missions and activities are no longer critical, whether certain positions in their units are no longer needed, and even whether certain recruitment targets are still realistic.

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Eyre also opened the door to more flexible working arrangements for service members while emphasizing the need to change the military’s culture to better attract and retain women, Indigenous people and other under-represented groups.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2022.

The Canadian Press