Navy League of Canada

The Navy League of Canada, (or known in French as - La Ligue navale du Canada) is a Non-For-Profit organization founded in 1895 and incorporated in 1918. Originally formed to promote maritime issues to Canadians, the Navy League is the non-governmental partner of the Department of National Defence in delivery of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets program. The Navy League is the sole sponsor of the Navy League Cadet programme for boys and girls between the ages of nine to twelve.

History
The latter half of the nineteenth century saw rapid expansion and development of the British Empire and, with it, the dependence on ocean shipping routes for its trade and defence. At the same time the German Empire was becoming increasingly aggressive, and competing step by step with Britain. Concern as to the adequacy of the Royal Navy of that day to defend the widely separated components of the Empire and their essential shipping gave rise to the formation in Britain in 1895 of a society with the primary aim of ensuring an adequate naval defence. This was the Navy League, organized with local branches in towns and cities and drawing its support from people of all walks of life, but interested in the problem of ocean trade and naval defence. The movement expanded rapidly and before the end of that year branches had established themselves abroad, including one in Toronto whose warrant, dated 16 December 1895, now hangs in the National Office in Ottawa.

From its earliest days, the Navy League has been an active organization. In October 1895 the group in Toronto in the course of forming the branch there, had already prepared a submission to the Canadian government on the subject of maritime defence and the need for a Naval Reserve training program. Continued efforts in support of improved naval defence, either as an imperial or national effort, helped the government when it was formulating Canada's naval policy and establishing the Canadian Naval Service, forerunner of the Canadian Navy, in 1910. In these early years, the branches in Canada supported informally a youth training programme aimed at encouraging young men towards a seafaring career, and providing basic training in citizenship and seamanship.

The First World War placed heavy commitments on the Navy League with its activities expanding into recruiting of Naval and Merchant Navy personnel, operation of hostels for seafaring personnel, provision of welfare services to the dependents of seamen and, in the final stages, the rehabilitation of Naval Veterans.

In the years following World War I, the Navy League took particular interest in seeking continued support for a Canadian flag, the Merchant Marine and maintained shore hostel facilities for the benefit of seafaring personnel. The training of boys was formalized under the name Boys' Naval Brigades across the country; this became the main raison d'être for many local Branches during the Depression. The establishment of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1923 was much assisted by the enrolment of graduates of this scheme; a parallel apprenticeship programme was set up with Canadian shipping companies to enrol ex-cadets in the Merchant Marine. The name Boys' Naval Brigade was changed at about this time to the Navy League Sea Cadets to permit infusion of funds from the Department of the Militia.

With the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, the Navy League was once more involved in War Services activities. This included the operation of 24 hostels in various port areas, such as the Sea Gull Cub in Halifax, the provision of amenities and special clothing supplies for visiting seamen, as well as those of the RCN and Canadian Merchant Navy. The Navy League came to consider itself "the nursery of seamen" for the RCN. The Navy League also assisted in the establishment in Ottawa of HMCS BYTOWN Wardroom.

With the end of the Second World War and the closing out of its War Services operations, the Navy League was again able to turn its attention to its primary objectives; continued support of youth training and promoting a knowledge of maritime affairs. The minimum age limit of the Sea Cadets having been set at 14 years, there was felt to be a need for an organization to cater to interested boys under that limit. Thus in 1948, the Navy League established The Navy League Cadet Corps for younger boys. This development was followed in 1950 by the establishment of the Navy League Wrenette Corps for girls. Wrenettes no longer exist as a program as girls are part of Navy League Cadet Corps and Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.

Critical dates
1895 - First Canadian Branch formed

1910 - Canadian Navy established

1914 - Recruiting and Welfare Services, World War I

1918 - First Canadian Boy's Naval Brigade formed

1918 - Federal Charter approved establishing the Navy League of Canada

1923 - Boy's Naval Brigade name changed to Sea Cadet Corps

1939 - Welfare Services, World War II

1941 - Canadian Navy became partner in the Sea Cadet movement

1942 - King George VI agreed to be Admiral, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets

1943 - Scholarship program introduced

1948 - Navy League Cadet program established

1950 - Navy League Wrenette program established

1995 - The 100th Anniversary of the Navy League of Canada

1997- Last Navy League Wrenette Corps closed (NLWC Centennial)

Memorials
At the Royal Military College of Canada, outside Currie Hall in Kingston, Ontario stained glass windows relate to the history of the Navy League.
 * Donated as a tribute to all national presidents of the Navy League of Canada for the proven love of country in promoting patriotism... seapower ... youth training, the window bestows 'Honour and Glory to patriotic citizens who have and will serve Canada.' The window features images of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Navy League Cadets and Navy League Wrenettes.
 * In memory of David H. Gibson, C.B.E. National President, Navy League of Canada, 1938-1952 a stained glass window features images of a young sailor and God behind the ships' wheel. The window is dedicated to Canadians who in defence of the country went down to the sea in ships. The window includes a poem by H.R. Gillarm: "Proudly in ships they sailed to sea. Ahead their goal, perhaps eternity. But with God as their pilot they had no fear facing all danger as their course was clear. Their cargo? The record of their life. Some good, some bad, some peace, some strife."

The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a youth program for twelve- to eighteen-year-olds, sponsored by the Canadian Forces and supported by The Navy League of Canada in the community. The program has its origins in the Boy’s Naval Brigades, becoming the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets after the Royal Canadian Navy (now the Canadian Forces) became a partner. Girls have been allowed in the program since 1975. As of 2007, there were 243 Sea Cadet Corps in Canada, and approximately 10,000 cadets.

Along with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and Royal Canadian Air Cadets, the aim of the Sea Cadet Organization is to: Develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate an interest in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces.

Navy League Cadet Corps
The Navy League Cadet Corps is a nautically themed youth program for youth nine to thirteen. The program aims to develop patriotism, good citizenship, a sense of duty, self-discipline, self-respect, and respect for others. While the program uses a naval environment (ranks, terminology, etc.) there is no affiliation between Navy League Cadets and the Canadian Forces. The program is led entirely by civilian volunteers in each community. As of 2007, there are 107 Navy League Cadet Corps in Canada, with about 3200 cadets participating each year.

Maritime Affairs
The Navy League’s Maritime Affairs program aims to inform Canadians about issues affecting their use of the oceans. Beginning in 1895, the Navy League lobbied for the creation of a Naval Service for Canada. Having realized that goal in 1910, the Navy League continued to support the Navy and promote the welfare of sailors.

During both World Wars, and into the late 60’s, the Navy League operated numerous hostels and Sailor’s Homes, on both coasts. The Navy League Ditty Bag, (a small gift bag full of clothing, food and sundries) was a welcome comfort to sailors throughout this time.

Over the last decade, the Navy League has diversified to examine all aspects of ocean use. They have addressed issues of Ocean Management, Fisheries and Environmental protection, maritime trade and the preservation of Canada’s Arctic archipelago. In 2003, the group published Canada, An Incomplete Maritime Nation which outlines a broad range of public policy issues concerning the sustainable use of Canada’s Ocean territory.

Organization and Structure
The Navy League is a volunteer organization with 264 branches organized into 12 Divisions. Each Division President sits on a National Board of Directors. Members of the Navy League volunteer in their community to support two youth programs, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Navy League Cadets, or to build awareness of maritime issues.

While any person 'of good character' can be a member of the Navy League, volunteers working with cadets have to undergo a screening program which includes a police check known as Vulnerable Sector Screening. This program was put in place after the Mount Cashel Orphanage sexual/physical abuse scandal and other abuse cases raised awareness about potential risks to youth.

Captain Vancouver Case
In 2006, the Department of National Defence reached an eight million dollar settlement with victims of abuse at the Captain Vancouver Sea Cadet Corps.