REPORT ON CONFERENCE OF DEFENCE ASSOCIATIONS
The Conference of Defence Associations met in Ottawa on 11th, 12th and 13th of January 1951.
(a) The RCAA were represented by: Brigadier E. R. Suttie Brigadier H. F. Wright Brigadier G. 0. Hutchison Lt.-Col. W. T. Cooper (b) Brigadier R. J. Leach attended as Secretary-Treasurer and was also re-elected for 1951-52.
(c) RCAA Resolutions regarding Man-Power, Clerical Assistance, and A & T Staffs were considered with similar resolutions, see Conference Resolutions 1/50 (and memorandum) 4 50, 5 50.
(d) With regard to Man-Power, a delegation met with The Minister of National Defence on 11th January and presented a resolution similar to 1/50 and a supporting brief. The Minister stated that he did not consider that there was need at that time for a system of Selective Service in the Reserve Force, and outlined the difficulties of putting such a system into force. (e) The Committee reported to the Conference that it had failed to get a satisfactory answer from the Minister. The Conference again passed a resolution No. 1 50 and drew up a supporting memorandum which it decided to give to the Minister on 13th January and give to the Press for release on 14th January. This was done. A copy of this memorandum follows as do copies of other resolutions approved by the Conference.
RESOLUTION AND MEMORANDUM APPROVED BY CONFERENCE OF DEFENCE ASSOCIATIONS
The Conference approves that the resolutions concerning Selective Service and National Registration, presented by the various associations, be not adopted in their present form. The Conference approves the following resolution be adopted: ‘Resolved that, in the opinion of this Conference, it is vital to the security’ of Canada that the Government introduce immediately a policy of Selective training in the Reserve Force”.
The reasons that have led the Conference to this decision are as follows:
The delegates to the Conference of Defence Associations are all civilians, representing a cross section of Canadians from every part of the country. They, and the men they represent, are in large measure ‘responsible for the effectiveness and efficiency of the Reserve Force. It is to the Reserve Force that Canada must look for the creation of a National Army in time of war.
Year after year, by formal resolution, the Conference has brought to the attention of higher authority the need for some action, if the Reserve Force is to function as it should, and meet the expectations of the Canadian people that the money spent upon it will produce results when the need arises.
Higher authority has not seen to implement the recommendations of the Conference with regard to Selective Service for the Reserve Force.
The delegates to the 1951 Conference feel the time has come, in fairness to themselves and to the other citizens of this country, who are giving of their time to Reserve Force work, that the situation of that Force be reviewed in the light of present world conditions.
The threat of war has never been greater. The need for strength if war is to be averted and to meet that danger if it comes is recognized by every democratic country in the world, including our own. It is admitted that to successfully prosecute a war against our potential enemies will take every effort the free countries of the world can put forth. Every country of the Atlantic Pact, with the sole exceptions of Canada and Iceland, has adopted some form of Selective Service. In all these countries, including our own, vast sums are to be spent on the Armed Services.
Reserve units have been asked to recruit to strength, if possible. The need for strong reserve units is therefore recognized.
Years of experience have taught us all that to obtain anything like the number of men now required in the Reserve Force by voluntary means is impossible. Large sums have been spent on advertising and in other ways to induce men to join the Reserve Force. To a large extent, such monies have been wasted. The men have not been and are not coming forward.
The men represented through the Conference have exhausted every effort to improve these conditions and have sacrificed time and their own money in such efforts.
The delegates to the conference feel that, since the effectiveness and efficiency of the Reserve Force is largely their responsibility, and that of the men they represent, they would be derelict in their duty to the Government and to their fellow countrymen if they did not put before that Government and the people of Canada their views as to the present state of the Reserve Force.
It is obvious that the vastly increased expenditure on military matters now contemplated will call for sharply increased taxes to be paid by Canadians. We feel Canadians are prepared to pay such taxes in view of the issues involved but we do not feel that Canadians are prepared to see monies wasted. It is our considered and unanimous opinion that proper value is not being received for much of the public monies now being spent on the Reserve Force.
In spite of the existing shortages of facilities for the Reserve Force, in many places the strength of units does not absorb present facilities for training by a substantial margin. Far more men could be trained in the Reserve Force than are presently coming forward.
The turnover of other ranks is such that the vast majority of men who appear from time to time on the nominal rolls of Reserve Force Units receive no training worthy of the name. They do not stay with the unit long enough. To say that the Reserve Force is 40,000 strong, and to give the Canadian people the idea that it has 40,000 men who could quickly he ready for action, is a travesty of the facts. ‘There are few, if any, Reserve Units in Canada that could be ready to function in action under a minimum period of six months. This includes AA and other such units which should be ready for immediate action. The Canadian public, in spite of the monies spent, cannot look to effective and efficient protection from internal sabotage or external aggression from its Reserve Force for a considerable period after war breaks out, and the Active Force is far too small to undertake the full burden of such duties.
The modern Army, with modern equipment, requires vast numbers of men specially trained. These men are termed tradesmen or specialists. The shortage of such men, most of whom require many months of training, in addition to their ordinary training as soldiers, is almost total in the Canadian Reserve Force—and there is not the slightest hope of producing the numbers required under the present voluntary system.
If it is not to be Canadian Policy to lean on our allies in the initial stages of a war—and we are satisfied that the national pride of our people will tolerate no such situation—then men must be made available for training now. This will involve a national registration system and the introduction of an enforceable and enforced system of selective service for the Reserve Force. Only in this way will the Reserve Force obtain the men it needs, the training it must have, and the effectiveness which the Canadian people are entitled to expect in view of the expenditures involved. Only in this way can we build a Reserve Force to which Canada can look with confidence.
The Conference approves that the fullest publicity be given both to the resolution and to the reasons leading to its adoption.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE 14th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF DEFENCE ASSOCIATIONS
No. 1 50—Selective Training
RESOLVED that, in the opinion of this Conference, it is vital to the security of Canada that the Government introduce immediately a policy of selective training in the Reserve Force.
No. 2 50—Enlistment of Women
This Conference has received with satisfaction the announcement that the Canadian Women’s Army Corps will be re-constituted, both for the Active and Reserve Force. It j strongly urged that this commendable plan be implemented with out delay.
No. 3 50-A & T Staffs
WHEREAS units generally are deprived of some of their A & T personnel for extended periods throughout the year,
AND WHEREAS personnel of the A & T staff are employed on occasions in minor administrative tasks at camps rather than as instructors,
AND WHEREAS there seems to be a tendency in some areas and commands to use A & T staffs at times on other than their regular duties,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Army Headquarters direct commands and areas to use extreme discretion in the withdrawal of any A & T personnel, to discontinue their employment in minor administrative roles and not to withdraw the entire A & T staff at one time.
No. 4 50-A & T Staff and Clerical Assistance
WHEREAS the training and administration of a Reserve Force unit assistance is required as follows:
(a) Full time clerk administrative;
(b) Full time NCO for supervision of \IT and maintenance of MT records;
(c) Officer and NCO instructors to be available as required for the conduct of courses and assistance in the various aspects of training.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following are the minimum requirements under present circumstances of shortage of A & T staff and non-availability of personnel with clerical training:
(a) Full time clerk administrative;
(b) An Active Force NCO permanently posted for MT duties;
(c) In each command and or area pools of Active Force officer and NCO instructors available to assist units as required; (d) Consideration be given to any additional requirements of technical corps.
No. 5 50—Clerical Assistance
WHEREAS the Army is short a large number of clerks and clerks are not joining the Army in sufficient numbers to fill the vacancies,
AND WHEREAS the Reserve Force can obtain adequate clerical assistance if the remuneration is sufficient,
AND WHEREAS the present clerical assistance allowance for the Reserve Force is inadequate,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the clerical assistance allowance granted to Reserve Force Units be increased by an amount sufficient to meet local conditions.
No. 6 50—Accommodation
WHEREAS it is apparent from the present international situation that large armed forces will almost certainly be required in the next few years in which emergency some form of controlled manpower will be adopted by national consent;
AND WHEREAS housing and training accommodation and facilities are now entirely inadequate for the reception of large forces as soon as an emergency arises;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT AGAIN RESOLVED that a progressive plan of construction of suitable buildings and facilities be implemented in order to provide during the next few years for the reception, housing and training of such a force as will be required in case of a war emergency, and to provide at once adequate temporary accommodation and facilities for the Reserve Force.
No. 7 50—Armoury Accommodation
WHEREAS many units are without adequate armoury accommodation;
AND WHEREAS it is not possible to train and administer a unit properly while this situation exists;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the necessity of hastening the program of armoury construction be again called to the attention of the Department of National Defence.
No. 8 50—Extra Pay—Instructors
WHEREAS at the present time in the Reserve Force difficulty exists in procuring first-class instructors; AND WHEREAS this difficulty also exists in the Active Force;
AND WHEREAS it is now deemed necessary in order to procure first class instructors in the Reserve Force that some incentive must be given;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Reserve Force personnel, qualified to Active Force instructor standards, be granted extra instructional pay while so employed, on the same basis as the Active Force.
No. 9 50—Pay Rates—Reserve Force
WHEREAS increases in pay rates after three, six and nine years in rank are provided for in P. and A. Regulations (1946) Para. 70, Para. 89, as amended (57/1948) and Para. 108-109 as amended (57 1948);
AND WHEREAS these increases have so far been applied only to the Active Force;
AND WHEREAS it is considered that this differentiation is not in accord with the “One Army” policy;
AND WHEREAS it is felt that the Reserve Force personnel after performing their duties of rank for the periods mentioned should be entitled to these increases on the same basis as the Active Force;
AND WHEREAS the turnover of personnel in Reserve Force units is considered too high and affects the efficiency of the units; AND WHEREAS it is felt that the full entitlement to all Active Force pay would be an added incentive to continuity of Reserve Force service;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the increases as provided for in P. and A. Regulations (1946) as referred to above be applied to the Reserve Force.
No. 10 50—Grant to Cadet Corps on Organization
WHEREAS there is considerable expense involved on the first organization of a cadet corps;
AND WHEREAS it is considered that the present grant of $1.00 per cadet is insufficient;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the grant be increased to $3.00 per cadet for all cadets properly enrolled on first organization of a cadet corps unit.
No. 11 50—Pay
WHEREAS a large number of personnel of the Reserve Army attend sufficient parades during the training year to qualify for the basic pay of 30 days or the specialist pay of 45 days;
AND WHEREAS these personnel when attending camp receive no additional pay;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT annual camp be treated as a special exercise for the purpose of pay and allowances and that all ranks be paid for the period spent in camp in addition to the basic rate of 30 days per annum and the specialist rate of 45 days per annum.
No. 12 50-Band Grant
WHEREAS a band is of inestimable value to a unit, and as a band requires a great deal more funds to operate than are provided in the present band grant;
AND WHEREAS band grants are inadequate to properly defray the expense of instruments and music and general maintenance;
AND WHEREAS a band is a source of valuable publicity and of great assistance to morale;
IT IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT the grants to bands now authorized by Para. 448 of P. and A. Regulations for the Canadian Army 1946 be increased by 100%
No. 13 50—Income Tax Deductions
WHEREAS Reserve Force personnel are required to pay income tax on their Reserve Force army pay;
AND WHEREAS since this pay is added on, for taxation purposes, to their civilian earnings thereby causing such Reserve Force army pay ‘to be taxed at the maximum rate of the individual’s taxable income;
AND WHEREAS many members of the Reserve Force use up their Reserve Force army pay for the benefit of their units;
AND WHEREAS the present income tax regulations are unduly restrictive not allowing such disbursements to be deducted from Reserve Force earnings for taxation purposes;
AND WHEREAS the Minister of National Defence has indicated the Government’s desire to increase enlistments in the Reserve Force;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT members of the Reserve Army be permitted to deduct from their taxable income the amount of all expenditures made by them in connection with Reserve Force army activities.
No. 14 50—Attendance at Annual Summer Camps
WHEREAS your committee recommends that the Conference record its appreciation to the Minister of National Defence and the responsible officers at Army Headquarters, commands and areas for the efforts made in contacting employers;
AND WHEREAS continuity of service is mainly dependent on attendance at annual camps;
AND WHEREAS it is of the utmost importance that employers be again contacted directly by the Minister of National Defence so that they may be persuaded to allow employees to attend annual camp, and may have the opportunity of arranging their production, holiday schedules, etc., accordingly;
AND WHEREAS no officer or soldier should be penalized financially for having to forego holidays with pay by attending summer camps;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minister of National Defence be again requested to address a letter—to which will be attached a schedule of annual camps—to all employers of labour urging upon them the necessity of supporting the Armed Services by arranging for their employees, who are members of the Reserve Force, to attend annual camp and that the Minister include in this letter the following questions:
1. Will they allow individual employees concerned to attend camp on any of the dates specified for their respective corps on the attached schedule?
2. Will they allow the individual concerned the necessary time off in addition to his normal annual holidays?
3. Will they make up the loss of income, if any, to an individual attending annual camp, i.e., the difference between his army pay and his normal salary?
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT commands and area headquarters be instructed to see that all unit commanders contact employers of labour well in advance of the annual camp advising them of the names of the individuals concerned.
No. 15 50—Command of Armouries
WHEREAS the present system of command of armouries occupied by more than one unit provides that a brigade commander may delegate his duties to a lieutenant-colonel in command of a unit occupying such armoury;
AND WHEREAS the additional burden of work placed upon such unit commander in connection with the armoury is such that it severely taxes his ability and that of his staff as well as preventing adequate control of such armoury;
AND WHEREAS it is desirable that an officer with a rank not less than lieutenant-colonel be in active command of such armouries;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the system of command of armouries occupied by more than one unit be reviewed and that some arrangement be made whereby brigade staff could attach an officer to be responsible for the detailed operation of the armoury, and it is suggested that this officer he of the rank of not less than lieutenant colonel.
No. 16 50-Recreational Facilities at Reserve Force Summer Camps
WHEREAS the majority of personnel attending summer camps are required to combine their vacation with annual camp;
AND WHEREAS personnel attending annual camps do so partially to have an opportunity of enjoying recreation and entertainment after the training day is complete;
AND WHEREAS certain annual camps have been lacking adequate recreation and entertainment facilities;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT adequate organized recreational and entertainment facilities be made available at annual summer camps.
No. 17 50—Increase of Annual Grant WHEREAS the present grant to the Defence Associations from the Department of National Defence was calculated on the basis of nine provinces;
AND WHEREAS Newfoundland has now joined the Confederation as a tenth province;
AND WHEREAS travelling expenses of a delegate from a branch situated in that province are considerable;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the annual grants should be proportionally increased.
No. 18 50—Living Accommodation—A & T Staffs
WHEREAS A & T staffs posted to certain centres are required to pay costs for civilian type accommodation higher than. that charged for comparable permanent married quarters controlled by the services in the same commands;
AND WHEREAS this factor creates hardships for such personnel and adversely affects their efficiency in aiding the Reserve Force,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT such A & T staff personnel be granted an allowance in amount not less than 75% of the rent differential between the two types of said accommodation paid by them.
No 19 50—Canadian Forces Decoration
WHEREAS certain gentlemen perform invaluable services to the’ Reserve Force, and their services should be recognized;
AND WHEREAS such gentlemen should be entitled to qualify for those decorations for which members of, the Reserve Force are eligible;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT officers holding appointments as shown below should be allowed time served in such appointments to count towards, qualification for all decorations for which members of the Reserve Force are eligible. Honorary Colonels Commandant
Honorary Colonels-in-Chief
Honorary Colonels
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonels
Secretary to the Governor-General
Secretaries of the Defence Associations
Honorary Aides-de-Camp to The King
Honorary Aides-de-Camp to the Governor-General
Honorary Aides-de-Camp to Lieutenant Governor.
(a) The RCAA were represented by: Brigadier E. R. Suttie Brigadier H. F. Wright Brigadier G. 0. Hutchison Lt.-Col. W. T. Cooper (b) Brigadier R. J. Leach attended as Secretary-Treasurer and was also re-elected for 1951-52.
(c) RCAA Resolutions regarding Man-Power, Clerical Assistance, and A & T Staffs were considered with similar resolutions, see Conference Resolutions 1/50 (and memorandum) 4 50, 5 50.
(d) With regard to Man-Power, a delegation met with The Minister of National Defence on 11th January and presented a resolution similar to 1/50 and a supporting brief. The Minister stated that he did not consider that there was need at that time for a system of Selective Service in the Reserve Force, and outlined the difficulties of putting such a system into force. (e) The Committee reported to the Conference that it had failed to get a satisfactory answer from the Minister. The Conference again passed a resolution No. 1 50 and drew up a supporting memorandum which it decided to give to the Minister on 13th January and give to the Press for release on 14th January. This was done. A copy of this memorandum follows as do copies of other resolutions approved by the Conference.
RESOLUTION AND MEMORANDUM APPROVED BY CONFERENCE OF DEFENCE ASSOCIATIONS
The Conference approves that the resolutions concerning Selective Service and National Registration, presented by the various associations, be not adopted in their present form. The Conference approves the following resolution be adopted: ‘Resolved that, in the opinion of this Conference, it is vital to the security’ of Canada that the Government introduce immediately a policy of Selective training in the Reserve Force”.
The reasons that have led the Conference to this decision are as follows:
The delegates to the Conference of Defence Associations are all civilians, representing a cross section of Canadians from every part of the country. They, and the men they represent, are in large measure ‘responsible for the effectiveness and efficiency of the Reserve Force. It is to the Reserve Force that Canada must look for the creation of a National Army in time of war.
Year after year, by formal resolution, the Conference has brought to the attention of higher authority the need for some action, if the Reserve Force is to function as it should, and meet the expectations of the Canadian people that the money spent upon it will produce results when the need arises.
Higher authority has not seen to implement the recommendations of the Conference with regard to Selective Service for the Reserve Force.
The delegates to the 1951 Conference feel the time has come, in fairness to themselves and to the other citizens of this country, who are giving of their time to Reserve Force work, that the situation of that Force be reviewed in the light of present world conditions.
The threat of war has never been greater. The need for strength if war is to be averted and to meet that danger if it comes is recognized by every democratic country in the world, including our own. It is admitted that to successfully prosecute a war against our potential enemies will take every effort the free countries of the world can put forth. Every country of the Atlantic Pact, with the sole exceptions of Canada and Iceland, has adopted some form of Selective Service. In all these countries, including our own, vast sums are to be spent on the Armed Services.
Reserve units have been asked to recruit to strength, if possible. The need for strong reserve units is therefore recognized.
Years of experience have taught us all that to obtain anything like the number of men now required in the Reserve Force by voluntary means is impossible. Large sums have been spent on advertising and in other ways to induce men to join the Reserve Force. To a large extent, such monies have been wasted. The men have not been and are not coming forward.
The men represented through the Conference have exhausted every effort to improve these conditions and have sacrificed time and their own money in such efforts.
The delegates to the conference feel that, since the effectiveness and efficiency of the Reserve Force is largely their responsibility, and that of the men they represent, they would be derelict in their duty to the Government and to their fellow countrymen if they did not put before that Government and the people of Canada their views as to the present state of the Reserve Force.
It is obvious that the vastly increased expenditure on military matters now contemplated will call for sharply increased taxes to be paid by Canadians. We feel Canadians are prepared to pay such taxes in view of the issues involved but we do not feel that Canadians are prepared to see monies wasted. It is our considered and unanimous opinion that proper value is not being received for much of the public monies now being spent on the Reserve Force.
In spite of the existing shortages of facilities for the Reserve Force, in many places the strength of units does not absorb present facilities for training by a substantial margin. Far more men could be trained in the Reserve Force than are presently coming forward.
The turnover of other ranks is such that the vast majority of men who appear from time to time on the nominal rolls of Reserve Force Units receive no training worthy of the name. They do not stay with the unit long enough. To say that the Reserve Force is 40,000 strong, and to give the Canadian people the idea that it has 40,000 men who could quickly he ready for action, is a travesty of the facts. ‘There are few, if any, Reserve Units in Canada that could be ready to function in action under a minimum period of six months. This includes AA and other such units which should be ready for immediate action. The Canadian public, in spite of the monies spent, cannot look to effective and efficient protection from internal sabotage or external aggression from its Reserve Force for a considerable period after war breaks out, and the Active Force is far too small to undertake the full burden of such duties.
The modern Army, with modern equipment, requires vast numbers of men specially trained. These men are termed tradesmen or specialists. The shortage of such men, most of whom require many months of training, in addition to their ordinary training as soldiers, is almost total in the Canadian Reserve Force—and there is not the slightest hope of producing the numbers required under the present voluntary system.
If it is not to be Canadian Policy to lean on our allies in the initial stages of a war—and we are satisfied that the national pride of our people will tolerate no such situation—then men must be made available for training now. This will involve a national registration system and the introduction of an enforceable and enforced system of selective service for the Reserve Force. Only in this way will the Reserve Force obtain the men it needs, the training it must have, and the effectiveness which the Canadian people are entitled to expect in view of the expenditures involved. Only in this way can we build a Reserve Force to which Canada can look with confidence.
The Conference approves that the fullest publicity be given both to the resolution and to the reasons leading to its adoption.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE 14th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF DEFENCE ASSOCIATIONS
No. 1 50—Selective Training
RESOLVED that, in the opinion of this Conference, it is vital to the security of Canada that the Government introduce immediately a policy of selective training in the Reserve Force.
No. 2 50—Enlistment of Women
This Conference has received with satisfaction the announcement that the Canadian Women’s Army Corps will be re-constituted, both for the Active and Reserve Force. It j strongly urged that this commendable plan be implemented with out delay.
No. 3 50-A & T Staffs
WHEREAS units generally are deprived of some of their A & T personnel for extended periods throughout the year,
AND WHEREAS personnel of the A & T staff are employed on occasions in minor administrative tasks at camps rather than as instructors,
AND WHEREAS there seems to be a tendency in some areas and commands to use A & T staffs at times on other than their regular duties,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Army Headquarters direct commands and areas to use extreme discretion in the withdrawal of any A & T personnel, to discontinue their employment in minor administrative roles and not to withdraw the entire A & T staff at one time.
No. 4 50-A & T Staff and Clerical Assistance
WHEREAS the training and administration of a Reserve Force unit assistance is required as follows:
(a) Full time clerk administrative;
(b) Full time NCO for supervision of \IT and maintenance of MT records;
(c) Officer and NCO instructors to be available as required for the conduct of courses and assistance in the various aspects of training.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following are the minimum requirements under present circumstances of shortage of A & T staff and non-availability of personnel with clerical training:
(a) Full time clerk administrative;
(b) An Active Force NCO permanently posted for MT duties;
(c) In each command and or area pools of Active Force officer and NCO instructors available to assist units as required; (d) Consideration be given to any additional requirements of technical corps.
No. 5 50—Clerical Assistance
WHEREAS the Army is short a large number of clerks and clerks are not joining the Army in sufficient numbers to fill the vacancies,
AND WHEREAS the Reserve Force can obtain adequate clerical assistance if the remuneration is sufficient,
AND WHEREAS the present clerical assistance allowance for the Reserve Force is inadequate,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the clerical assistance allowance granted to Reserve Force Units be increased by an amount sufficient to meet local conditions.
No. 6 50—Accommodation
WHEREAS it is apparent from the present international situation that large armed forces will almost certainly be required in the next few years in which emergency some form of controlled manpower will be adopted by national consent;
AND WHEREAS housing and training accommodation and facilities are now entirely inadequate for the reception of large forces as soon as an emergency arises;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT AGAIN RESOLVED that a progressive plan of construction of suitable buildings and facilities be implemented in order to provide during the next few years for the reception, housing and training of such a force as will be required in case of a war emergency, and to provide at once adequate temporary accommodation and facilities for the Reserve Force.
No. 7 50—Armoury Accommodation
WHEREAS many units are without adequate armoury accommodation;
AND WHEREAS it is not possible to train and administer a unit properly while this situation exists;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the necessity of hastening the program of armoury construction be again called to the attention of the Department of National Defence.
No. 8 50—Extra Pay—Instructors
WHEREAS at the present time in the Reserve Force difficulty exists in procuring first-class instructors; AND WHEREAS this difficulty also exists in the Active Force;
AND WHEREAS it is now deemed necessary in order to procure first class instructors in the Reserve Force that some incentive must be given;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Reserve Force personnel, qualified to Active Force instructor standards, be granted extra instructional pay while so employed, on the same basis as the Active Force.
No. 9 50—Pay Rates—Reserve Force
WHEREAS increases in pay rates after three, six and nine years in rank are provided for in P. and A. Regulations (1946) Para. 70, Para. 89, as amended (57/1948) and Para. 108-109 as amended (57 1948);
AND WHEREAS these increases have so far been applied only to the Active Force;
AND WHEREAS it is considered that this differentiation is not in accord with the “One Army” policy;
AND WHEREAS it is felt that the Reserve Force personnel after performing their duties of rank for the periods mentioned should be entitled to these increases on the same basis as the Active Force;
AND WHEREAS the turnover of personnel in Reserve Force units is considered too high and affects the efficiency of the units; AND WHEREAS it is felt that the full entitlement to all Active Force pay would be an added incentive to continuity of Reserve Force service;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the increases as provided for in P. and A. Regulations (1946) as referred to above be applied to the Reserve Force.
No. 10 50—Grant to Cadet Corps on Organization
WHEREAS there is considerable expense involved on the first organization of a cadet corps;
AND WHEREAS it is considered that the present grant of $1.00 per cadet is insufficient;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the grant be increased to $3.00 per cadet for all cadets properly enrolled on first organization of a cadet corps unit.
No. 11 50—Pay
WHEREAS a large number of personnel of the Reserve Army attend sufficient parades during the training year to qualify for the basic pay of 30 days or the specialist pay of 45 days;
AND WHEREAS these personnel when attending camp receive no additional pay;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT annual camp be treated as a special exercise for the purpose of pay and allowances and that all ranks be paid for the period spent in camp in addition to the basic rate of 30 days per annum and the specialist rate of 45 days per annum.
No. 12 50-Band Grant
WHEREAS a band is of inestimable value to a unit, and as a band requires a great deal more funds to operate than are provided in the present band grant;
AND WHEREAS band grants are inadequate to properly defray the expense of instruments and music and general maintenance;
AND WHEREAS a band is a source of valuable publicity and of great assistance to morale;
IT IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT the grants to bands now authorized by Para. 448 of P. and A. Regulations for the Canadian Army 1946 be increased by 100%
No. 13 50—Income Tax Deductions
WHEREAS Reserve Force personnel are required to pay income tax on their Reserve Force army pay;
AND WHEREAS since this pay is added on, for taxation purposes, to their civilian earnings thereby causing such Reserve Force army pay ‘to be taxed at the maximum rate of the individual’s taxable income;
AND WHEREAS many members of the Reserve Force use up their Reserve Force army pay for the benefit of their units;
AND WHEREAS the present income tax regulations are unduly restrictive not allowing such disbursements to be deducted from Reserve Force earnings for taxation purposes;
AND WHEREAS the Minister of National Defence has indicated the Government’s desire to increase enlistments in the Reserve Force;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT members of the Reserve Army be permitted to deduct from their taxable income the amount of all expenditures made by them in connection with Reserve Force army activities.
No. 14 50—Attendance at Annual Summer Camps
WHEREAS your committee recommends that the Conference record its appreciation to the Minister of National Defence and the responsible officers at Army Headquarters, commands and areas for the efforts made in contacting employers;
AND WHEREAS continuity of service is mainly dependent on attendance at annual camps;
AND WHEREAS it is of the utmost importance that employers be again contacted directly by the Minister of National Defence so that they may be persuaded to allow employees to attend annual camp, and may have the opportunity of arranging their production, holiday schedules, etc., accordingly;
AND WHEREAS no officer or soldier should be penalized financially for having to forego holidays with pay by attending summer camps;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minister of National Defence be again requested to address a letter—to which will be attached a schedule of annual camps—to all employers of labour urging upon them the necessity of supporting the Armed Services by arranging for their employees, who are members of the Reserve Force, to attend annual camp and that the Minister include in this letter the following questions:
1. Will they allow individual employees concerned to attend camp on any of the dates specified for their respective corps on the attached schedule?
2. Will they allow the individual concerned the necessary time off in addition to his normal annual holidays?
3. Will they make up the loss of income, if any, to an individual attending annual camp, i.e., the difference between his army pay and his normal salary?
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT commands and area headquarters be instructed to see that all unit commanders contact employers of labour well in advance of the annual camp advising them of the names of the individuals concerned.
No. 15 50—Command of Armouries
WHEREAS the present system of command of armouries occupied by more than one unit provides that a brigade commander may delegate his duties to a lieutenant-colonel in command of a unit occupying such armoury;
AND WHEREAS the additional burden of work placed upon such unit commander in connection with the armoury is such that it severely taxes his ability and that of his staff as well as preventing adequate control of such armoury;
AND WHEREAS it is desirable that an officer with a rank not less than lieutenant-colonel be in active command of such armouries;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the system of command of armouries occupied by more than one unit be reviewed and that some arrangement be made whereby brigade staff could attach an officer to be responsible for the detailed operation of the armoury, and it is suggested that this officer he of the rank of not less than lieutenant colonel.
No. 16 50-Recreational Facilities at Reserve Force Summer Camps
WHEREAS the majority of personnel attending summer camps are required to combine their vacation with annual camp;
AND WHEREAS personnel attending annual camps do so partially to have an opportunity of enjoying recreation and entertainment after the training day is complete;
AND WHEREAS certain annual camps have been lacking adequate recreation and entertainment facilities;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT adequate organized recreational and entertainment facilities be made available at annual summer camps.
No. 17 50—Increase of Annual Grant WHEREAS the present grant to the Defence Associations from the Department of National Defence was calculated on the basis of nine provinces;
AND WHEREAS Newfoundland has now joined the Confederation as a tenth province;
AND WHEREAS travelling expenses of a delegate from a branch situated in that province are considerable;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the annual grants should be proportionally increased.
No. 18 50—Living Accommodation—A & T Staffs
WHEREAS A & T staffs posted to certain centres are required to pay costs for civilian type accommodation higher than. that charged for comparable permanent married quarters controlled by the services in the same commands;
AND WHEREAS this factor creates hardships for such personnel and adversely affects their efficiency in aiding the Reserve Force,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT such A & T staff personnel be granted an allowance in amount not less than 75% of the rent differential between the two types of said accommodation paid by them.
No 19 50—Canadian Forces Decoration
WHEREAS certain gentlemen perform invaluable services to the’ Reserve Force, and their services should be recognized;
AND WHEREAS such gentlemen should be entitled to qualify for those decorations for which members of, the Reserve Force are eligible;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT officers holding appointments as shown below should be allowed time served in such appointments to count towards, qualification for all decorations for which members of the Reserve Force are eligible. Honorary Colonels Commandant
Honorary Colonels-in-Chief
Honorary Colonels
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonels
Secretary to the Governor-General
Secretaries of the Defence Associations
Honorary Aides-de-Camp to The King
Honorary Aides-de-Camp to the Governor-General
Honorary Aides-de-Camp to Lieutenant Governor.