On Dec 1^st, 2005 The Air Cadet League of Canada signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of National Defence (DND) regarding delivery of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program. This MOU clarifies the roles and responsibilities of each partner, and will help improve the level of service we offer to Canadian Communities.

RESOURCES

The Memorandum of Understanding

Volunteer Screening Pamphlet

SSC Screening Coordinator's Handbook

Provincial Co-ordinator's Handbook

ACL Registration and Screening Forms

FAQ's about Registration and Screening

Registration and Screening Power point presentation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What is the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) about?

The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between DND/CF and the Navy League, the Army Cadet League and the Air Cadet League describes the roles and responsibilities agreed upon by each participant to ensure the proper and efficient delivery of the Cadet Program.  It was developed in recognition of the common interest we share in promoting and fostering teamwork, leadership, citizenship, and an interest in the sea, land and air activities of the CF in Canadian youth.

Q2.  When does it take effect?

The MOU was signed by the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) and the three National Leagues Presidents on December 1, 2005 and takes effect on July 1, 2006 after a number of years’ collaboration and consultation. 

Q3.  Does the MOU bring about any major changes in responsibilities?

No.  It is simply a framework that defines more precisely how the partners will cooperate.  Other than changes to volunteer management, the MOU simply reflects existing rules and regulations but strives to give everyone a better understanding of roles and shared responsibilities.

Q4. How will it affect the local corps/squadrons?

The MOU serves to simply reflect existing legislation, which includes regulations and orders.  There are, however, two areas of interest:

Beginning July 1, 2006 , the leagues will manage all civilian volunteers. This will include the recruitment and screening of all volunteers in order to create a pool from which to draw.  Currently, the leagues have several different screening arrangements and work is progressing on arriving at a simplified, unanimous process.

As well, the MOU attempts to acknowledge and strengthen current modes of operation in the area of management of funds. Funds controlled by corps/squadron come from two sources: public monies through DND (Contingency and band ‘grants’) and monies raised by the leagues or sponsoring committees.  The MOU outlines local responsibilities to ensure that money from both these sources is assembled in one bank account which is controlled and administered by the local league or sponsoring committees.  The only purpose of the fund is to support the commanding officers in providing an effective program. Local commanding officers should be provided with a petty cash fund.

Q5. Do local corps/squadrons have to change how they deliver local programs if they are not operating exactly as the MOU outlines?

This MOU intends to help clarify existing roles, lead to better co-operation and partner involvement and enhance the current delivery of service.  If the local corps or squadron and the local league partners are happy with the existing division of responsibilities and believe that their mutual arrangement is satisfactory then there is no need to change. 

Q6. What if there is a disagreement concerning the interpretation of the MOU?

The MOU attempts to clarify existing roles and responsibilities and address areas of ambivalence.  However, if there is a disagreement between the leagues and DND/CF every effort should be made to resolve it at the local level.  If both parties agree that they are irreconcilable, the matter should be brought up to the RCSU level.  Any disputes regarding the interpretation or implementation of this MOU will be resolved only by consultation among the Participants and will not be referred to a court, a national tribunal or any other third party for settlement.

Q7. Does the MOU apply to all levels of the Leagues?

Yes, the MOU is applicable to all levels of the Leagues.  All participants have concurred that they will fully respect the scope, intent and meaning of all sections of this MOU. 

Q8. Does article 4.1.1 represent a revision to the Aim of the Cadet Program? Will QR&O Cadets be revised?

The MOU is meant to enhance the cooperation between the different partners that make this program such a success.  It echoes the existing laws, regulations and directives.  The MOU is a living document and will be revisited periodically to reflect changes in Law, regulations and directives such as QR(Cadets) which are currently being revised.

Q9. Do the sections on Cadet Instructor/Civilian Instructor Attraction prohibit local unit staff from recruiting or attracting people to the CCO as CF members and/or CI’s and Volunteers?  The Cadet Instructor Section seems to put the emphasis with the sponsors. 

No. This is a collective effort.  The MOU is intended to help the coordination of all partners within the program. All partners are encouraged to get involved in most aspects of the program including recruiting and retention of individuals. As it has been raised in the MOU, the screening of all civilian volunteers will fall to the Leagues.

Q10.  Are CF volunteers going to be screened by the Leagues?

 Beginning July 1, 2006 , the leagues will manage all civilian volunteers. This will include the recruitment and screening of all volunteers in order to create a pool from which to draw.  It is recognized that the CF has already screened CF members.  Some issues related to volunteer service by CF members remain and are being addressed at NDHQ.  Clarification will be provided when available.