The Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) is a Canadian Forces formation, organizationally situated within the Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources-Military) Group. It is part of a Canadian Forces-wide strategy to prepare its members intellectually and professionally to meet the challenges of future operations. Specifically, the CDA champions lifelong learning through the implementation of coherent, integrated, academically rigorous and accredited education and professional development programs. This approach helps ensure members of the CF can develop their full intellectual potential.

The CDA is composed of a Headquarters, located in Kingston, Ontario, and a number of educational institutions including the Royal Military College of Canada (Kingston), the Canadian Forces College (Toronto), the Canadian Forces Language School, centered in Gatineau, Quebec, and Campus Fort St-Jean (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec). Campus Fort St-Jean includes the Non-Commissioned Member Professional Development Centre, The Canadian Forces Management Development School, and Richelieu Squadron, which prepares officer cadets for entry into the Royal Military College.