Question Period Note: WOMEN IN THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

Canadian Armed Forces is nowhere near its 25% target, what is being done to increase the number of women in its ranks?

• The Canadian Armed Forces is committed to recruiting, and retaining more women across all ranks and enabling them to attain senior leadership positions
• This is why we launched a number programs such as Operation GENERATION to meet growth requirements, while ensuring employment equity goals.
• For example, we are prioritizing women applicants to military colleges, and establishing mentorship opportunities for women once they are enrolled.
• Additionally, we consider “Gender Based Analysis Plus” in all recruiting initiatives and retention activities.
• Recently, we launched a “Women in the Forces” website as part of our dedicated digital media campaign to support the recruitment of women.
• Progress has been made, as recruitment rates of women has increased since 2015, however more needs to be done.
• We will continue to make every effort to increase the representation of women, and create an even more inclusive force.

QUICK FACTS
Recruitment Rates of Women
* 2020-2021: 22.7% of new individuals joining were women.
* 2019-2020: 18.6% of new individuals joining were women.

Women Recruited in the CAF (Regular/Reserve)

• 2015/16: 1,074
• 2016/17: 1,439
• 2017/18: 1,564
• 2018/19: 1,821
• 2019/20: 1,866*
• 2020/21: 935*

*Overall CAF recruitment diminished as a result of COVID-19

Recruitment of Women Initiatives
* 2020-2021: launch of “Women in the Forces” landing page on forces.gc.ca recruiting website providing experience and background information for women interested in joining the Canadian Armed Forces.
* 2019-2020: 40% of local attraction and outreach events were focused on women.

Women, Minority, and Indigenous representation in CAF:

Current representation:
* Women: 16.3%
* Minority: 9.5%
* Indigenous: 2.8%

Goal:
* Women: 25.1%
* Minority: 11.8%
* Indigenous: 3.5%

Responsible Principals: Chief Military Personnel