History of the Canadian Rangers
 The Pacific Coast Militia Rangers were initially formed in 1942 following the shelling of British Columbia by a Japanese submarine. The role of these Rangers was coastal surveillance and immediate local defence in an emergency situation, pending the deployment of Regular Force troops.
Following the end of World War II, their role was expanded to include other remote and coastal parts of Canada and they were renamed the Canadian Rangers in 1947. The primary role of the newly formed Canadian Rangers was to conduct surveillance of the coastlines in sparsely settled areas of the country.
In the 1970’s a renewed interest in protecting Canada’s sovereignty rejuvenated the Canadian Rangers program and resulted in an increased focus on Canadian Ranger activity in the North. The Canadian Rangers were subsequently firmly entrenched as a vital part of the Canadian Forces operations in remote, isolated and coastal communities.
In 1996 the Minister of National Defence announced the implementation of a youth program called the Junior Canadian Rangers. The Canadian Rangers are closely affiliated with the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme and many of them serve as instructors, leaders and role models for these youth in remote and isolated communities.
In January 2000 the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) authorized a thorough review of the Canadian Rangers organization and the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme. CAN RAN 2000 reviews the successes and challenges to date, and outlines plans for the future, including a significant expansion of these two organizations.
Canadian Rangers 50th Anniversary
 The Canadian Rangers celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1997, with a cross-country relay. Exercise Baton Ranger involved the relay of a wooden baton and log book across Canada using a variety of means of transportation. The Canadian Rangers 50th anniversary also coincided with the 125th anniversary of Confederation and their cross-Canada trek was seen by many as a premiere example of nation building.
Acting Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Larry Murray, made the following speech in honour of the Canadian Rangers 50th anniversary:
“On 23 May 1997, the Canadian Rangers will have completed 50 years of service. When created in 1947 they built upon the successful home defence operations of their predecessors, the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers and quickly established themselves across our country in those sparsely settled regions where they became, and still remain, Canada’s visible demonstration of sovereignty. Canadian Rangers are the eyes and ears of the Canadian Forces on all three coasts and throughout our vast hinterland. For the most part, Rangers perform their duties in an unpaid, part-time capacity, but their service is both priceless and ceaseless.
On behalf of all members of the Canadian Forces I wish to express my thanks for a job well done. Congratulations on achieving this significant milestone and all the best for the future.”
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