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21 Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (21 RHFC RCACC) is part of the Canadian Cadet Organization also known as Cadets Canada. The mission of the Cadet Program is to contribute to the development and preparation of youth for the transition to adulthood, enabling them to meet the challenges of modern society, through a dynamic community-based program.

21 RHFC RCACC is located in the Colonel J.A. McIntosh Armoury, 1 Valour Place, Cambridge, Ontario which is also the home of their affliated unit, the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada. 21 RHFC RCACC, also known as the Cambridge Army Cadets, falls under the Regional Cadet Support Unit(Central) based at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario with their immediate headquarters being the Regional Cadet Support Unit(Central) Detachment London located in London, Ontario. 21 RHFC RCACC parades every Monday night (except holidays) from September to mid-June every year.

What is the Cadet Program?

Recognized as Canada's oldest youth program, there are approximately 21,000 army cadets in about 450 corps across the country. Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Air Cadets, it forms the largest federally funded youth program.

The Royal Canadian Army Cadets are a non-profit collaboration between the Department of National Defense and the Army Cadet League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, who provide instructors and support, the majority of the expenses borne by any Corps are managed by the Army Cadet League through their local representatives, the Support Committee. The civilian sponsor requires local community support to meet its obligations that include accommodations, training aids and equipment and program enhancements not otherwise provided.

The Cadet Program is open to all Canadians from the ages of 12 to 18 regardless of income, race, religion, culture or other socioeconomic factors. The Program embraces Canada’s multiculturalism and offers young Canadians opportunities to interact with youth from other cultures.

The Cadet Program emphasizes key values such as loyalty, professionalism, mutual respect and integrity. Cadets also learn about fair play, teamwork and tolerance through all of their activities. Cadets are motivated to work hard at school in order to qualify for international exchanges and other rewards. They are taught related skills such as effective speaking and instructional techniques which lend to an increased level of success in school.

History of 21 Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps

Originally formed on August 7, 1887, 21 RHFC RCACC is the third oldest Cadet Corps in Canada. Started at the Galt Collegiate Institute, and sponsored by the Galt Board of Education, it was initially known as the Galt Collegiate Institute Drill Company but in 1904 was designated number 21.

On December 3, 1942, the Corps became affiliated with the 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry of Canada and re-affiliated with the Highland Fusiliers of Canada on April 1, 1965. On June 8, 1979 with the change of sponsorship to the Tri-Branch Committee of the Royal Canadian Legion, Cambridge the designation changed to 21st Galt (Cambridge) Army Cadet Corps. In 1981 the designation changed again to the Highland Fusiliers of Canada Army Cadet Corps and finally in 2012 to 21st Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. This last change was in recognition of the close relationship between 21 RHFC RCACC and the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada

History of the Canadian Cadet Movement

The Canadian Cadet Movement can trace its roots to June 3, 1861 with the issuing of the Militia General Order authorizing the formation of the “Trinity College Volunteer Rifle Company”. Issued just 2 months after the start of the civil war in the U.S., and 6 years before Confederation, this was the first volunteer militia rifle company in a Canadian school.

Support for the cadet movement grew with the Red River Rebellion of 1869-70 and the North-West Rebellion (Riel Rebellion) of 1885. During this period, the government increased support to schools providing military training and on July 25, 1879 issued Militia General Order number 18 authorizing the formation 74 “Associations for Drill in Educational Institutions”. These Drill Associations were for young men aged 14 and over who were still in school and is recognized as the official founding of the Cadet Movement.

Unofficially, girls have also participated in the Canadian Cadet Movement almost from the beginning. Often these were “sister” groups to an existing Drill Association but on 30 July 1975, the Canadian parliament amended the relevant legislation changing the word “boys” to “persons”. Finally, this allowed girls full participation, and support, in the Canadian Cadet Movement.