"Vigilans" meaning
"The Watchers"
Their mission statement is “to provide a military presence in sparsely settled northern, coastal and isolated areas of Canada that cannot conveniently or economically be provided for by other components of the Canadian Forces.” (Lackenbauer, Lackenbauer, & Munk School of Global Affairs, 2013, p. 1). It signifies their commitment to the North, and its people. Often referred to as the eyes and ears of the North for the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Rangers are integral to the protection, security, and development of the North (Canadian Army, 2017). Under the Armed Forces, they receive 10-day Basic Ranger Qualification Course, and are not expected to serve overseas (Canadian Army, 2016). Majority of the people in the Canadian Rangers are of Native descent, speaking a wide array of languages (Canadian Rangers, 2017). Rangers are paid up to 12 days annual pay, as well when formally on duty (Canadian Army, 2016).
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The Junior Canadian Rangers are for youth aged 12 to 18 years to develop life, traditional, and Ranger skills (Government of Canada, 2014). It offers opportunities to connect with their community and elders, as well as travel across Canada (Government of Canada, 2014).
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The Canadian Rangers are in a position to be established within the Canadian Armed Forces, while still being rooted in their communities (Abel, 2014). The Rangers can connect to community members and gain valuable knowledge about the land. This allows them to be responsive to the changing environments (Lackenbauer et al., 2013).
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The Canadian Rangers are well known for their red hoodies and baseball caps (Morin, 2016). This perception can be viewed as a more approachable and grounded component of our military (Lackenbauer et al., 2013). Recently, the federal government issued red jackets, and fleece sweaters (Morin, 2016). The reception to the change is appreciated as now they have a formal uniform during public events, like parades. However, the red hoodies still hold a special place for the Rangers (Lackenbauer et al., 2013). In addition, the long standing Lee-Enfield rifle that Rangers used are being replaced with 21st century equipment, the Colt C-19 (Croft, 2016). Moreover, celebrating 70 years in operation and the 150th anniversary of Canada, the 2nd Canadian Rangers Patrol Group has two Rangers travelling 500 kilometers throughout the North to display the Canadian Ranger’s capabilities and future (Pugliese, 2017).
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Unfortunately, these changes are met with insufficient supports in resources and services. The Department of Defence ombudsman, Gary Walbourne, reported the Canadian Rangers have not been receiving timely reimbursements for loss and damaged equipment from the government (Nunatsiaq News, 2017). There are numerous systematic barriers that prevent Rangers from receiving the equipment and tools that they rely on for their duty and livelihood. Some of these include: lack of computers, absent authority persons to sign-off, and lack of statements (Nunatsiaq News, 2017). As well, the ombudsman reports insufficient health care services for the Canadian Rangers (Everson, 2017). The largest patrol group,1st Canadian Rangers Patrol Group, have one service personnel for 27 Rangers, and if Junior Rangers are included it increases to 1 to 53 (Everson, 2017).
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During Harper’s government there was an increase in funding and training to expand the Canadian Ranger’s role in the sovereignty of the North (Lackenbauer et al., 2013). This included more training programs to be better prepared, and investment for more recruits. The current Minister of Defence, Harjit Sajjan, has stated there will greater investment into the Canadian Rangers, but that is still to be determined (Everson, 2017). The following website will demonstrate that federal support financially and morally is integral to the development of a sustainable North. First, the social change made possible with the efforts by the Canadian Rangers. Secondly, the economic impact of the Canadian Rangers. Lastly, it will be the environmental influence the 2nd Canadian Rangers Patrol Group (2CRPG) can provide to Northern Quebec.
Above: Unit Identification of Canadian Rangers (Canadian Army, 2017); Below: Video of Canadian Rangers teaching survival techniques to (Canadian Army, 2012)
