About the Canadian Rangers

• The Canadian Rangers were formally established in 1947 to provide a military presence in remote and isolated areas of Canada that could not otherwise be covered by the regular elements of the Canadian Forces.

• The role of the Canadian Rangers is to be "the eyes and ears of the north" for the Canadian Forces in support of Canadian sovereignty.

• The official duties of the Canadian Rangers include observing and reporting any unusual behaviour and acting as guides and leaders for Canadian Forces members in the north.

• There are approximately 4,200 Canadian Rangers in 165 remote and isolated communities across Canada. Many Canadian Rangers are Aboriginal and speak a variety of different native languages.

• There are Canadian Rangers in all provinces and territories except for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. All Canadian Rangers belong to one of five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups (CRPG) across the country.

• The Canadian Rangers are organized as follows:

  • 1 CRPG is located in northern Canada with a total of 58 patrols in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alberta, Saskatchewan and northern British Columbia;
  • 2 CRPG is located in Quebec, with 23 patrols;
  • 3 CRPG is located in northern Ontario, with 15 patrols;
  • 4 CRPG is located on the Pacific west coast and Prairies, with 38 patrols; and
  • 5 CRPG is located in Newfoundland and Labrador, with 29 patrols.

• Each Canadian Ranger is issued with a .303 calibre Lee Enfield no. 4 rifle, with 200 rounds of ammunition each year, along with a vibrant red Ranger sweatshirt, ball cap and a safety vest.

  

• The Canadian Rangers motto: Vigilans. "The watchers."

• Canadian Rangers have been recognized for their significant contributions to their communities in times of disaster such as providing relief after the avalanche in northern Quebec (Kangiqsualujjuaq), responding to aircraft crashes in the far north, and participating as observers/guides on Canada's west coast countering illegal immigration.

• Canadian Rangers have a tremendous impact on the lives of people in their local communities. Many Canadian Rangers hold leadership positions in their communities, such as mayors, chiefs or Canadian Ranger Sergeant. They are active community members who have a positive influence on their peers and are often held up as role models for their youth.

• Many Canadian Rangers are involved as leaders and supervisors for the Department of National Defence`s Junior Canadian Ranger (JCR) Programme for youth ages 12 to 18 in remote and isolated areas of Canada.