Hyack Christmas Parade of Lights

On December 2^nd (2010) New Westminster held its 24^th annual Hyack Christmas Parade of Lights.  The citizens of New Westminster trudged through road closures, endured the cold, and filled the streets of the Royal City, all for a shot to see the big guy: Santa Claus.

The crowds were first bombarded with sirens, police cars and the traditional big red fire truck.  Right after the show of lights, ears were given a healthy dose of the Sea cadet band of Fraser! With their drums beating to the tune of Christmas songs we all know and love (Frosty the Snowman, Jingle bells, Jingle bell rock, and of course Rudolf the red nosed reindeer) The mass of cadets seemed to never end started with Fraser (the largest group), the army cadets, air cadets, navy league cadets all thrown into the mix.

Runny noses, frozen fingers and toes, were the price to be paid for a sighting of good old Saint Nick.  Fraser did a phenomenal job and the band was excellent (not one drummer dropped their sticks!)

Santa has made his list and now its time to check it for the second time, to look back on the year to see who has been naughty or nice.  When He thinks back to all of his parades, He will remember all of those sea cadets from RCSCC FRASER.  Perhaps, when Santa comes to town he will pay every single sea cadet who was in his parade an extra special visit this year!

Happy Holidays!

PO1 Aroura Gagnon
~Photos from the New Westminster Record~

Super Snowman!

As the flakes began to fall and temperatures dropped, we all thought winter was here to stay.
The thought was, if we are going to cancel cadets due to inclement weather, we may as well find some way to enjoy the snow!!  The first thought of a kid from Alberta...BUILD A SNOWMAN!

Where there  is snow, there is a snowman. 

Thanks to Leading Seaman McCulloch for her winning submission of a fantastic snowman! 

Bravo Zulu!  You can collect your prize on January 6th!

Honourable mention goes out to SLt Lyford
who managed to make a snowman without any snow!! 
This very cute eggnog and whipped cream snowman was made while she was in Texas visiting family for Thanksgiving.

The 2010 Food Drive Was a Success!

On Saturday, a group of FRASER Sea Cadets, Officers and Parents met at the New Westminster Armouries after the Hyack Parade of Lights.  With maps in hand they set out across New Westminster, in support of the Food bank, to collect non-perishable food items.  Empty boxes were piled with the hopes of being filled with donations and Christmas cheer.

"I couldn't be more proud of the generous community of New Westminster and the enthusiasm displayed by our cadets." Said Lt(N) Bryan Watson, the Executive Officer and driving force behind the RCSCC FRASER Food Drive.

When everyone had returned, and the donation boxes were neatly stacked by the door for pick up, everyone stood back and couldn’t help but smile. 

With your help, we filled 87 Food Bank boxes,
totaling approximately amount of 2200 pounds of food!!

PO1 Zoe Wong “…felt that the food drive went very well, it is the perfect way to give back to the community and help those in need during the giving season.  Through the food drive, I've learned that only in 3 hours, we've managed to satisfy the need of hunger of the less fortunate with a little bit of effort from everybody.  It’s a start of a new, proud Raider tradition. …”

RCSCC FRASER would like to thank all those homes in New Westminster who generously donated.  It is greatly appreciated and will help families in our community during the holidays and on through the winter.  Also, a big thank you to the parent volunteers who helped transport our Cadets safely and assisting them in collecting the donations and as always, a huge pat on the back to all the Cadets for their hard work! 

When asked why the Food Drive was important to her, PO1 Aroura Gagnon replied, "To beat last year’s record of food collected and of course, help others less fortunate over the holiday season.  We all put our whole hearts into picking up the food, a process that required walking up and down countless stairs, to knock on doors.  Some of us even went above and beyond for a donation by singing Christmas carols!"
 

“This is one of my favorite activities at RCSCC FRASER.”  Said Lt(N) Megan St. Hilaire, Commanding Officer.  “To watch the Cadets faces as they pile the full donation boxes.  The excitement that we are able to help so many people, by spending a few hours walking around New Westminster is truly inspiring.”

Guard dogs braved, slippery steps climbed, large towering houses all faced in the name of the people of our community who use the food bank.  Happy Holidays to you all!

Operation Gulf Tango X-Ray

On November 18th, RCSCC FRASER cadets got what they deserved: a field trip to Moody Park Arena.  This was a night of good old fashioned fun, as well as a few slips, slides, crashes, snowball fights, Congo lines, and playing victim to the plans of a big purple bouncy ball care of Lt(N) Aaron Stephens.

When Fraser goes ice-skating, we party the only way we know how: start a Congo line!  At the head of this line was fun-loving PO1 Quentin Flack.  Once everyone saw this Congo line, the whole Corps had to get involved.  While some were just having fun, while others were evading the camera, wielded by myself, whose sole purpose is to document the activities of the Fraser Raiders.

While some cadets were racing around the rink, others were cautiously watching the ice, hoping that it stayed under their feet where the deck rightfully belonged.  Some eventually got bored with skating around in a giant circle over and over (obviously not NASCAR fans), to combat their boredom they tried to have a snowball fight.  This devious ploy didn’t last long as, after they threw the first two snowballs they realized that they had to make more snow; Making snowballs at an ice rink is a very time consuming process.  This idea was soon left behind to resume skating under the watchful eye of the Officers.

As the cadets were getting ready to leave, waiting for parents, and exchanging their good byes the XO was attacked!  All of the Fraser Raiders who observed this were in shock, some laughed others just stood there mystified.  The attacker was the evil, big purple bouncy ball, who found its target (the unsuspecting XO’s head) and implemented Operation Gulf Tango X-ray Oscar (Get the XO).  

No matter where Fraser Raiders go, they always know how to maximize the amount of fun that they have.

PO1 Aroura Gagnon

Warning Order for the Hyack Christmas Parade & Food Drive Pick Up

Winter Has Arrived

Do you have snow?  Don't let it go to waste!  Build a snowman!!  Then snap a picture of it and email it in to the Telegraph! 

Photos will be judged and the best snowman gets a prize and will be posted here in the Fraser Telegraph!!

Summer Training Courses - NOW AVAILABLE!

For those of you who are applying for a Summer Training Centre this coming summer, the following list of courses has just been released.  Keep in mind that Senior Courses have pre-requisites that you must meet before you are eligible and you must meet the requirements at RCSCC FRASER before you will be considered.  You must maintain good attendance at mandatory training events, weekends and parades to be eligible for a position at a Summer Training Centre.

If you have any questions or would like to change the selections that were submitted, please email us at the Telegraph email or talk to the Administration Officer.

COLD LAKE (Cold Lake, AB)

Basic Fitness and Sports (2 intakes / 3 weeks each)

Fitness and Sports Instructor (6 weeks)

VERNON (Vernon, BC)

Air Rifle Instructor (6 weeks)

QUADRA (Comox, BC)

General Training (3 intakes / 2 Weeks each)

Basic Seamanship (3 intakes / 2 Weeks each)

Ship Boat Operator (6 weeks)

Boatswain Trade Group 3 (6 weeks)

Basic Leadership (2 intakes / 3 weeks each)

Drill and Ceremonial Instructor (6 weeks)

Gunnery Trade Group 3 (6 weeks)

Basic Sail (2 intakes / 3 weeks each)

Intermediate Sail (6 weeks)

Sail Trade Group 3 (6 weeks)

Silver Sail (6 weeks)

Basic Musician (2 intakes / 3 weeks each)

Intermediate Musician (6 weeks)

Music Trade Group 3 (6 weeks)

Shipwright (6 weeks)

Marine Engineering (7 weeks)

RCSCC FRASER FOOD DRIVE

Those of you who were with us last winter will remember the 2009 FRASER Food Drive.  Lt(N) Watson wanted a fun, outdoor activity that would involve all of the Cadets and staff of FRASER and directly benefit our community.  So off the Raiders went, to homes throughout New Westminster with bags (donated by Garden Market IGA) and a note asking for donations.  And donate they did!  The pictures inset are from 2009, that striped pile behind Cadets Tsang and Boake is all FOOD!!  Over 2000 pounds of food were donated to an extremely grateful Food Bank.  Everyone was astounded by the generosity shown by the families of New Westminster.  Not a bad turn out for a few hours of effort and a whole lot of smiles and laughter throughout the Royal City.

FRASER is back at it this year with the 2010 FRASER Food Drive.  Cadets from RCSCC FRASER will be out dropping bags at homes in New Westminster on Thursday, December 2nd and will return to pick them up on Saturday evening, December 4th after the Hyack Christmas Parade. 

If you would like to donate non-perishable food items, please send them down with your Cadet or drop them off Thursday or Saturday night at the New Westminster Armoury.  If you would like to donate some of your time driving cadets around to pick up donations on Saturday, it really is a fun way to spend an evening and we would appreciate the help.

Check back here for new photos in the coming week!

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,   Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them."

November 11th is Remembrance Day.  The day we, as Canadians, pause to remember and commemorate the deaths of hundreds of Canadians who fought and died for our freedom.  Young men and women, both in service of the military and civilian, who sacrificed their lives to ensure that we live better ones. 

As both proud young Canadians and Cadets, it is our duty to participate in the Remembrance Day parade every year.  November 11th is one of the most important days of the year for Cadets across Canada to show their pride in their Corps and Country, and to show they remember, they will always remember. 

As we do each year, Fraser will participate in the Remembrance Day ceremony in New Westminster, at the Armories and City Hall.  Lest we forget.

~ PO1 A. Gagnon, RCSCC FRASER

This photo from the Veterans Affairs archive was taken on Columbia Street in New Westminster.  It shows the British Columbia Rifle's Regiment embarking for Europe in 1940.  Private Jack Bernard is seen saying goodbye to his five-year-old son, Warren. 

It serves as a great reminder to me each year as FRASER parades at City Hall.  So many fresh young faces, not in some unknown battleground or foreign city, but walking down a street where I myself have walked many times. 

I find myself wondering if Jack made it home to see his son, or how many of the long line of men behind him are names on War Memorials or in Canadian War Cemeteries across Europe. 

I urge everyone to take the time to wear a poppy, to attend one of the many local ceremonies or just stop for a few minutes of silence on November 11th and remember.  They gave their lives for you, and for that we will be ever thankful and never forget.

~ Lt(N) M. St. Hilaire, RCSCC FRASER

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. Will you Remember?

The following is from the Veterans Affairs Canada Website 

www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers

On this one day every year, we pay special homage to those who died in service to their country. We remember these brave men and women for their courage and their devotion to ideals. We wear poppies, attend ceremonies, and visit memorials. For one brief moment of our life, we remember why we must work for peace every day of the year.

On November 11, especially, but also throughout the year, we have the opportunity to remember the efforts of these special Canadians.  In remembering, we pay homage to those who respond to their country's needs.  On November 11, we pause for two minutes of silent tribute, and we attend commemorative ceremonies in memory of our war dead.

 

We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument.

~ Heather Robertson, A Terrible Beauty, The Art of Canada at War.

Yet for many of us, war is a phenomenon seen through the lens of a television camera or a journalist's account of fighting in distant parts of the world.  Our closest physical and emotional experience may be the discovery of wartime memorabilia in a family attic.  But even items such as photographs, uniform badges, medals, and diaries can seem vague and unconnected to the life of their owner.  For those of us born during peacetime, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives.

 

We often take for granted our Canadian values and institutions, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice. The Canadians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief that the values and beliefs enjoyed by Canadians were being threatened. They truly believed that "Without freedom there can be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom."

 By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve. They believed that their actions in the present would make a significant difference for the future, but it is up to us to ensure that their dream of peace is realized. On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought so hard to achieve.

RCSCC FRASER Participates in Poppy Tagging

Every November, Fraser sets out with poppies in one hand and a donation can in the other.  Stationed around New Westminster and Queensborough to support the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #2 with freshly ironed pants and polished boots, the Cadets of FRASER stand out and politely ask if anyone would like a poppy. 

Tagging is an opportunity for the public to see FRASER cadets in their community and is a part of their citizenship training. 
This is an annual tradition among all Cadets who try diligently to assist in the spread of the poppies far and wide.  Since 1921, the Poppy has stood as a symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations.  The roughly $16.5 million raised annually by the poppy campaign is a testament to the generosity of Canadians and a widespread respect for our troops.  "We are particularly proud the poppies are made here in Canada." said administrative officer and Remembrance coordinator for the Legion, Steven Clark.  All poppy money collected by a Legion branch stays within that local community and pays for medical equipment, home services, and long-term care facilities for ex-service people in need of financial assistance.

The association of the Poppy to those who had been killed in war has existed since the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century, over 110 years before being adopted in Canada.  There exists a record from that time of how thickly Poppies grew over the graves of soldiers in the area of Flanders, France.  Just prior to the First World War, few Poppies grew in Flanders. During the tremendous bombardments of that war, the chalk soils became rich in lime from rubble, allowing the red poppy (papaver rhoeas) to thrive.  When the war ended, the lime was quickly absorbed and the Poppy began to disappear again.

Poppy protocol

-The poppy should be worn as close to the heart as possible or on the left lapel of the outermost garment.

-The poppy should only be worn during the Remembrance period, from the last Friday of October, ending at midnight on November 11.


Little known fact

-Until 1996, poppies were handmade by veterans in Toronto and Montreal.

Written (in part) by PO1 A. Gagnon

Exerpts taken from the CTV News website: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Specials/20081029/Poppy_Remembrance_081028/

Operation Sea Ray

Operation Sea Ray, also known as the seamanship and range training weekend, occurred at the Annacis Island Training Quarters on October 15-17.

This weekend was fun, interesting and action packed.  Some of the courses FRASER cadets participated in were how to tie basic knots and their uses, using a boatswain’s call, range safety and marksmanship technique using the Daisy 853c air rifle.

The weekend wasn’t just about training.  The cadets also participated in a heated Pumpkin carving competition!  Each team produced an excellent jack o’ lantern, and after much laughter the judges declared the senior cadets victorious.

The cadets also participated in a fierce battle to show they truly know their stuff.  SLt Lyford arranged a round robin of seamanship challenges for the cadet teams including an interesting knot tying challenge, seamanship jeopardy, PNE themed marksmanship challenge, phonetic alphabet adventure, and piping challenge.  One team (Charlie) reigned supreme, having had top marks in all of the events.

The weekend was a great success and FRASER went home Sunday, exhausted but happy to have spent a busy, fun filled weekend at their Annacis Island home instead of home sipping root beer, watching cartoons or playing on facebook.

Written by PO1 A. Gagnon

HMCS DISCOVERY receives Freedom of the City from New Westminster

On October 3, 2010 a rarely held Freedom of the City celebration took place at the New Westminster city hall. 

HMCS Discovery became just the sixth recipient of the Freedom of the City in New Westminster. This honour is rarely given and since the city’s inception in 1859, the City has granted this privilege to four persons and one group, the last one having been granted in 1963.  Such an honour indicates the trust and respect that the City has for the HMCS Discovery and the Canadian Navy.

"Excellent turnout from the Navy, cadets and veterans," said Colin Stevens, the city's manager of museum and archives. "The naval veterans got an excellent round of applause."

It is a very big honour for any military naval unit, and it was a privilege for the Sea Cadets of FRASER, whom were invited to parade alongside the crew of HMCS DISCOVERY and be inspected by the New Westminster Mayor, Wayne Wright.

“Watching the cadets of RCSCC FRASER in this parade behind the immense ranks of HMCS DISCOVERY was so inspiring, and a great showcase for the public.  They can be proud of both their military and the Sea Cadets of their community” said PO1 Aroura Gagnon.

Military units were historically not allowed to march through the city with flags flying, drums beating, bands playing or bayonets fixed as they were seeking recruits, provisions or other unsavory activities. Bestowing the Freedom of the City honour on a military unit indicates that the city trusts that unit implicitly and considers it a friend.

The ceremony is part of a series of events that are commemorating the Canadian Navy’s centennial year . It will replicate a 400-year-old tradition and demonstrate the good relations between the City of New Westminster and HMCS Discovery.

“We are very proud to grant this unique privilege to the men and women of HMCS Discovery in honour of the Canadian Navy’s 100th anniversary,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “New Westminster has a longstanding connection to our armed forces, and this is a great way to celebrate their immeasurable contribution to Canada throughout our history.”

The City of New Westminster has bestowed the Freedom of the City honour previously on four individuals and one group:
1946 - Lt Col Gordon Corbould
1955 - J. J. Johnston, for attending every May Day for 85 years
1958 - Lt Col John Keefer Mahony (V.C.)
1958 - Sgt E.A. (Smokey) Smith (V.C.)
1963 - The Westminster Regiment

“This is a very unique and special event,” said Lt(N) Megan St. Hilaire, Commanding Officer or RCSCC FRASER.  “It is a rarely granted honour, a once in a lifetime kind of event.  We are so honoured to have been invited to participate alongside HMCS DISCOVERY and show our support for both them and the City of New Westminster.”

The ceremony began with FRASER Sea Cadets marching onto Royal Avenue, followed by HMCS Discovery.  Chief Constable Lorne Zapotichny challenged the parade’s advance.  He then accompanied LCdr Elaine Fisher, Commanding Officer of HMCS Discovery, to the door of city hall where she knocked on the door of city hall with the pommel of her sword – three times.  She then stated the purpose of her visit to Mayor Wayne Wright, who escorted her to the parade and read a proclamation granting Freedom of the City to HMCS Discovery.  

Members of HMCS Discovery, RCSCC FRASER, naval veterans and Navy League Cadets attended the ceremony.  Also in attendance were the New Westminster Pipe Band, the Royal Westminster Regiment Band, as well as members of the New Westminster Police Service and New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service as an honour guard on the steps of city hall.

"It was extremely magnificent," Mayor Wayne Wright said about the event. "It will be one of the most memorable things in my time that I had done here."

Excerpts taken from the New Westminster Record.

Commemorative Coins for Remembrance Day

In case any of you are interested, or notice one of these special coins in your change...

Lest we forget.
Every poppy worn on coats and hats during the waning, grey days of November is symbolic of a life touched by war; the countless men and women who stepped forward to serve the cause of peace and freedom.

They witnessed the worst and the best of humanity; served with selfless bravery; countless acts that fell with their heroes never to be told. And those who did return, part of them remained lost forever.

Though veterans stand proud during tributes of remembrance, their tears fall fresh as yesterday. And, as 2010 claims Canada’s last known veteran of the First World War, those of us who enjoy the liberties bequeathed by his generations’ sacrifice, pay tribute to their legacy.

This Remembrance Day, to honour every veteran and current Canadian Forces member the Royal Canadian Mint released a new commemorative 25-cent Poppy circulation coin. A touching tribute to members of Canada's military and peacekeeping forces.  

Also, issued was a silver dollar, a historic keepsake issued on the passing of the last known veteran of the First World War.  A sea of poppies, Canada’s poignant symbol of remembrance, one enameled in vibrant colour to represent the individual saga lived by each veteran of war; one of countless stories played out in conflicts around the world—past, present and future.

From the Royal Canadian Mint Website http://www.mint.ca
 

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them".

Laurence Robert Binyon, 1869-1943

Check out the new items for November 2010 from The Fraser Telegraph!

Freedom of the City for HMCS DISCOVERY

In recognition of the 100^th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy, Freedom of the City will be conferred upon HMCS DISCOVERY.  We have been invited by both the Mayor of New Westminster, Mayor Wayne Wright, and the Commanding Officer of HMCS DISCOVERY, LCdr Elaine Fisher, to join their parade on Sunday, October 3^rd.

What a very exciting opportunity for us all.  This honour is rarely given and since the city was built in 1859 only four people and one group has been granted this privilege, the last time was in 1963.

This honour indicates the trust and respect that they City has for HMCS DISCOVERY and the Canadian Navy and gives HMCS DISCOVERY the right to march through the City with flags flying, bayonets fixed and band playing.

RCSCC FRASER Ship’s Company will muster in C1’s with medals, in front of the Armouries on Sunday, October 3^rd at 12:30 and will march on at 12:50.

The ceremony should take approximately 1 hour and include an inspection and a march past.

Parents are highly encouraged to stay and witness the ceremony as it takes place in front of City Hall.  It is a rare occurrence and photos would be greatly appreciated.

The Canadian Forces site for the Naval Centennial can be found here.

ORCA PCT and TALL LEAF DEPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

There are Cadet Seamanship Deployments taking place in British Columbia!!
The aim of these deployments is to provide a modern and relevant ship-borne experience for cadets to hone their skills at the corps. Trainees and staff will be split up in five distinct training serials onboard three PCT ORCAs and the Tall ship Maple Leaf, as follows:

 ORCA : from 20 to 26 Feb 11 (not including travel dates);
 ORCA : from 13 to 19 March 11 (not including travel dates);
 Maple Leaf : from 23 to 27 March 11 (not including travel dates).

MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS
Due to the conditions in which this training takes place, individuals with certain medical restrictions will not be allowed to take part in this exercise.
Trainees, staff cadets and officers deployed aboard ORCAs and the tall ship must be free of any ailment, condition (physical or psychological) or injury:
a. which requires them to be within 4 hours from a medical facility;
b. which may require the injection from an epi-pen for allergies in particular for bee or wasp ; and
c. which is incompatible with life aboard a vessel for 5 consecutive days away at sea (cramped quarters, confined spaces, standing watches, irregular meal hours, etc.).
Anyone selected and taking medication must be reminded to bring enough supplies to last for the duration. DND will not provide.

TRAINEES (not including staff cadets)
Eligibility Criteria. In order to be eligible, trainees shall be undergoing minimum of Phase 3 training.

Application
Applications are to arrive at the AdminO’s desk/email NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30.  Email the Telegraph for an application!!! 
STAFF (including staff cadets)
Staff cadet and officer positions will be filled based on required qualifications and on number of cadets from RCSUs on the different ships.
Selection Policy - Staff Cadets. When filling staff cadet positions, preference will be given to those cadets who’ve completed at least one summer as a staff cadet at a CSTC.
Qualification. Staff cadets selected for this activity are not entitled to be paid or eligible for the CSTC staff cadet badge.

Welcome Home

I would like to start by welcoming you all back from the summer.  I look forward to watching you put into action, all the new skills you learned.  We had some great feedback from you over the past year and as a result, we have a great year ahead of us with some new activities and training weekends planned.  Also, I must pass on the compliments I have received.  There were so many impressed visitors from our ACR in June.  You should all be very proud of yourselves and the fantastic showing you made to your friends, family and community.

For those of you who joined us from RCSCC MARINER last spring and have decided to stay, welcome home.  Those of you who returned to your corps, I thank you for all your work and wish you all the best in your cadet career.  I was very impressed with your deportment and it was a pleasure to have you join us for our Annual Ceremonial Review and my Change of Command Ceremony. 

I hope you all take a minute to introduce yourself to our newest staff member and welcome her to FRASER.  SLt Sarra Lyford is a former Air Officer and comes to us with a wealth of experience in the cadet programme. 

I look forward to my first year of Command at FRASER.  Looking back on my journey through Cadets, I never would have imagined when I joined a small Sea Cadet corps in Edmonton, Alberta so many years ago that I would one day command my own corps.  There are so many great opportunities for you with this program, you never know where they can take you.  Mr. Rainbow has submitted an article on his experience a little farther down the page.  I hope you take advantage of everything offered to you!

 Welcome home FRASER!  Je Suis Prest!

Lt(N) Megan St. Hilaire

Commanding Officer

Fireside Chat

As the summer ends, we look forward to welcoming you and the ship’s company of Fraser back for another training year.  Your involvement in our program demonstrates your commitment to improve your skills in leadership, citizenship and physical fitness.
We are excited to provide opportunities to you to develop these skills and age out of the corps as a well-rounded member of our community.

International exchanges, deployments, on water training and a fantastic training facility are a few of the benefits provided to you at no cost.  In return, we expect that you will attend parades regularly, maintain all uniforms entrusted to you and participate in fundraising activities.
By being an engaged member of the corps, you will receive the maximum return for your efforts.
The beginning of training marks my 11^th year of involvement with the Sea Cadet program.  There is a lot that being active with Fraser has done for me over the years.  I hope that you find the same value in being with us.  I am excited to serve with you as Executive Officer as well as Training officer and look forward to a successful year of instruction.

'Je Suis Prest'

Lt(N) Bryan Watson
Executive Officer