Department of National Defence

Interested in working on defence and security issues in Rome, Italy? is offering a 5-month fellowship, from mid-February to mid-July 2027, as part of the NATO Defense College Research Division. The selected Fellow will receive a $100,000 grant to cover all expenses related to this opportunity. Visit the website for eligibility criteria, and apply by July 13, 2026 (23:59 PDT): https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/minds/scholarships/nato-defense-college-ndc-fellowship.html

Peacekeeping is part of Canada’s story. 🇺🇳 🇨🇦

On May 29, the world marks the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Canadians can take pride in this legacy.

In November 1956, former prime minister Lester B. Pearson helped propose the first large-scale armed United Nations peacekeeping mission during the Suez Crisis. His leadership later earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.

Peacekeeping reflects values many Canadians share, cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international law. For decades, Canadian peacekeepers have worked with partners to support peace and stability in areas affected by conflict. Peacekeeping remains a vital tool of maintaining international peace and security.

This day also honours the service and sacrifice of over 130,000 Canadian peacekeepers and remembers those who lost their lives while serving. It is a moment to recognize how Canada has helped shape a global approach to peace through the United Nations.

Take a moment to learn about Canada’s peacekeeping history and reflect on what international cooperation means to you.



Photo credits:
Photo 1: MCpl Marc-Andre Gaudreault, Canadian Forces Combat Camera
Photo 2: CF Photo Unit
Photo 4: RCMP-GRC

Pride Season is a celebration of the strength, diversity, and resilience of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Pride events begin this week and continue through September, when 2SLGBTQI+ people and their allies can connect with each other in safer spaces and celebrate what makes our communities stronger.

Pride Season is more than just a celebration – it is a time to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to equality, safety, and inclusion for 2SLGBTQI+ people. As communities continue to face hate and discrimination, participating in Pride is also about ensuring people can gather safely, without fear, and show up as their authentic selves. 💖✨

Read the official statement here: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/news/2026/05/statement-by-minister-rechie-valdez-to-mark-canadas-pride-season-2026.html

We have confirmed that a previously unidentified grave at Courcelette British Cemetery in northern France is that of Sgt Norman Harold McLennan. His identity was confirmed through historical and archival research.

In April 1905, Norman enlisted with The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) in Quebec. After re-attesting for war service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in August 1915, then-Pte McLennan was promoted to sergeant and sailed with the RCR to England for training. Arriving in France in November 1915, Sgt McLennan served across the Western Front for nearly a year.

He went missing on October 8, 1916, during the Battle of the Ancre Heights after heavy fighting and a withdrawal from Regina Trench. Initially reported wounded and missing, Sgt McLennan was later presumed to have died in the battle.

Multiple external research reports were submitted to the Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH) and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) regarding a grave in Courcelette British Cemetery. DHH confirmed that the grave could only belong to Sgt McLennan. The identification was confirmed by the Casualty Identification Review Board in December 2025.

His family was notified of his identification, and the CAF is providing them with ongoing support. A headstone rededication ceremony will take place at CWGC’s Courcelette British Cemetery at the earliest possible opportunity.

Learn more about Sgt Norman Harold McLennan and the CAF Casualty Identification Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2026/05/canadian-soldier-of-the-first-world-war-identified.html