For nearly a century, the Canadian Cadet Organizations operated as a male-only program, with young women excluded from participating for 96 years. That changed in 1975 with the passing of Bill C-16 that officially opened the door for female cadets.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of that pivotal moment, a milestone that reflects how far the program has come in embracing inclusivity and equal opportunity. Today, women play an integral role in Cadets Canada, serving along in leadership, training, and community service, a testament to the program’s growth and progress since its early days.
When Desiree Francis was 11 years old, she tagged along to a Thursday night dinner at a friend’s house, not knowing it would change the course of her teenage years. Her friend’s family happened to be attending cadets that evening, and by the next September, Francis was officially enrolled in the Kindersley 365 Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
For Francis, it’s a milestone that underscores just how much the program has evolved since her first parade night.
“When I first joined, the rules were strict, no dyed hair, no facial hair, no makeup, and no tattoos,” Francis said. “Now, it’s much more accepting of self-expression, while still keeping the uniformity.”
In her early years, cadets meant a tightly regulated appearance: hair above the ears, earrings limited to two studs, and no visible piercings beyond that. Even socks were regulated, itchy wool ones, which could be softened by wearing thin nylon socks underneath.
Today, she says, grooming standards are more relaxed, but the core values of the program remain the same: leadership, accountability, and personal growth.
Over the years, cadets took Francis far beyond Saskatchewan. She travelled to Europe, visiting Vimy Ridge and walking through historic wartime tunnels during the 70th anniversary of D-Day. She competed in provincial biathlon and learned to build a lean-to. She also took part in glider flights in Battleford, her favourite activity.
“I missed getting my pilot’s license by just a couple of questions,” she said with a laugh. “My friend got his first, but it worked out, I got to explore other opportunities in cadets.”
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The program, which is fully government-funded and free to join for youth ages 12 to 18, covers all training and trip costs, including meals. Locally, a parents’ committee and community fundraisers, like a recent luncheon that brought in $1,230, provide extra support. The local Legion has also donated.
Parades are held Thursday evenings at the museum in Kindersley, with recruitment open year-round. New cadets are placed based on skill and ability, and late joiners often pick up drill and other skills quickly with peer guidance.
Recruitment has been a challenge, particularly for older cadets. Francis says their oldest member will age out in December, meaning younger members will soon have to step into mentorship roles.
“Cadets naturally builds leadership,” she said. “Those skills stay with you as an adult.”
Francis now attends Thursday night parades as an officer, finding the same welcoming atmosphere she experienced as a youth. She sees the program as a valuable opportunity for any young person.
“I truly believe any young person in the community could benefit from this program in one way or another,” she said.