Compulsory Training For Single Canadians

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 180, 1 August 1940, Page 2

Compulsory Training For Single Canadians

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. OTTAWA, July 30. Mr J. G. Gardiner, Minister of Ns tional Service, said in the House oi Commons, that every unmarried Canadian between 21 and 45 years maj be compelled to do 30 days’ military training within a year. “There is nc reason why Canada should not train 1million and still operate the primary and secondary industries.” he said. “Possibly, tlie calling-up of unmarried men between 21 and 25 years will satisfy the requirements of the first year. The only exemptions will be judges, the clergy, police and firemen. Employers will be required under penalty to re-employ trainees.” Mr Gardiner added that Canada was in a better position than ever before to supply foodstuffs to the United Kingdom. All the surplus would be needed sooner or later.

While they were calling up 30,000 men a month under the National Resources Mobilisation Act, the Canadian Government did not intend at present to send more troops overseas or to increase the active service forces. At present it was not contemplated that the Canadian Corps of two divisions in England would be enlarged, but the third and fourth divisions now being completed would be equipped and trained in Canada.

An Eastern Command was being established in the maritime provinces to control Newfoundland, Iceland, and the West Indies. The troops would also provide defence against possible attack. Recruiting for the non-permanent militia was being suspended on August 15, after which the men would enter the militia as called up under the Mobilisation Act. Those between the ages of 21 and 22 would begin 30 days’ training on October 1. The total strength of the Canadian active service forces at home and abroad was 133,000, he stated.