Kelley Stark, MARPAC Public Affairs MARPAC hosted its first Menopause Symposium on Nov 21, creating an open space to discuss women’s health and workplace impacts. Four expert speakers addressed physical, emotional, and hormonal health, dismantling stigma while offering evidence-based guidance on treatment, advocacy, and exercise. Defence leadership emphasized that supporting menopause awareness strengthens both member well-being and overall CAF operational effectiveness. - Maritime Forces Pacific’s (MARPAC) first Menopause Symposium took place on Nov 21 in a step towards fostering awareness and support for women’s health in the workplace. Menopause impacts not only individual well-being in life, but also team dynamics, productivity, and retention — yet it remains one of the least discussed phases of life. By creating space for education and dialogue at the workplace, MARPAC is leading the way in breaking stigma and promoting inclusivity. The event was filled with attendees from diverse age groups and backgrounds, highlighting that menopause continues to be a topic that resonates beyond the demographic of middle-aged women. Captain(Navy) Mike Stefanson, Champion for the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO), opened the event, reminding audiences that mental, physical, and spiritual health are all key to operational success. “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me and the Admiral,” he said, encouraging people to lean on the DWAO team when needed. The first speaker, Susannah Stewart, a pelvic health physiotherapist in Victoria, gave a talk titled Menopause 101. She explained that menopause can happen for many reasons, including surgery or medical treatment, and that it also affects gender-diverse people. There are over 130 symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, brain fog, and anxiety. She also shared that hot flashes could signal risks for heart disease or dementia. Stewart stressed the value of pelvic physiotherapy and addressed hormone therapy. Next, Shirley Weir, women’s health advocate...

MCpl Jason Shafto From July 28 to Aug 8, Junior Canadian Rangers from all five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups took part in NLETS 2025, a 12-day leadership and skills program hosted by 4CRPG. JCRs completed early team-building exercises, leadership workshops, collaborative sessions with Sea Cadet leaders, and advanced outdoor activities. The program strengthened confidence, leadership, teamwork, and outdoor skills for youth across Canada. - From July 28 to Aug 8, Junior Canadian Rangers ( JCRs) from all five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups participated in the 2025 National Leader Enhanced Training Session (NLETS), an annual training event hosted by 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG). NLETS is a 12-day program designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and practical abilities in JCRs. To kick off NLETS 2025, approximately 40 JCRs (accompanied by Canadian Rangers, Junior Canadian Ranger Instructors ( JCRIs), and Canadian Ranger leadership) travelled to HMCS Quadra Cadet Training Centre in Comox, British Columbia (B.C.). Here, 4CRPG’s Honorary LieutenantColonel (HLCol) Adele Donaldson delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. JCRs were then assigned to their respective sections, and training commenced. The training began with foundational team-building exercises and leadership workshops that emphasized mentorship and safety. JCRs also collaborated with leaders from the Sea Cadet program to share ideas and explore leadership concepts and theory. After two days of team building and Sea Cadet collaboration, the JCRs travelled to the Strathcona Park Lodge, west of Campbell River, B.C., to apply their skills in advanced expeditions including hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing. Once arrived, lodge staff trained JCRs for their chosen outdoor activities. Following a day of instruction, the JCRs, guided by SPL staff and supported by Canadian Rangers and JCRIs, embarked on four-day adventures. Upon returning, a ceremony was held to recognize significant team contributors for their efforts. The group then travelled from...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper CFB Esquimalt ran a transportation trial from Nov 24 Dec 12 to simplify commuting across its properties for all DND staff. The pilot tested the Base Connector and the Base Rounder. TEME collected ridership and stop-specific data to evaluate demand, flow, and future service optimization. Early user feedback highlighted reduced stress, fuel savings, and the potential to adopt the service long-term. - Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt has completed a new transportation trial designed to make commuting across Vancouver Island simpler and more affordable for local Defence team members. From Nov 24 to Dec 12, Transportation, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (TEME) piloted The Base Connecter and Base Rounder Initiative, a complimentary mobility service. Intended to improve connectivity across CFB Esquimalt properties, the Base Connector linked Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD) Rocky Point, CFB Albert Head, and Colwood with Esquimalt stops including the Base Hospital, Naden, Dockyard, and Work Point. The Base Rounder was also tested to reduce the need for personal vehicles by encouraging Defence team members to leverage a base-operated shuttle to travel to and from CFB Esquimalt properties During the test period, participants hopped aboard both the Base Connector, a 56-passenger coach, and the Base Rounder, a 12-passenger van. TEME also collected daily ridership data and stop-specific pickup information throughout the trial period to assess the necessity of each stop, ridership fluctuations, and overall trial usage. To Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Troy Dierk, Weapon Engineering Manager, the trial experience was positive overall. “There was far less stress during the high traffic periods of the trip, less fuel consumption, and thus less expense for me,” he said. “I would reassess some of the stops to confirm if they are necessary to make for a more seamless flow for drivers, as several stops proved to...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Armstrong outlines a decade of major capability growth for the RCN, including new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, and advances in uncrewed systems. RAdm Armstrong emphasizes sailor-focused leadership, modern infrastructure, and mentorship as the foundation for building a future-ready force. - The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) currently stands at the precipice of a transformative decade — and according to Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Jason Armstrong, Chief of Naval Capability, the coming years promise some of the most substantial capability upgrades in decades. “We just received delivery of the Harry DeWolf class,” said RAdm Armstrong, referring to the new fleet of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) helping the RCN operate in regions once out of reach. Armstrong called the class “a phenomenal capability,” noting its successful deployments to the Arctic, Indo-Pacific, and the Caribbean, where the fleet continues to demonstrate its international versatility. Notably, the AOPVs have also successfully deployed further north than any other RCN ship in Canadian history. With the longest coastline in the world, Canada’s underwater surveillance capability is on the mind of RCN leadership. “There’s a lot of new builds coming for our sailors that I’m excited to speak to,” shared RAdm Armstrong. “The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) is very near and dear to my heart.” The CPSP will see up to 12 new submarines join the RCN over the next decade, with each submarine poised with the capabilities to efficiently detect, track, deter, and if necessary, defeat adversaries in all three of Canada’s oceans. “I’m very optimistic with where we’re collectively heading,” said the RAdm. “There are also infrastructure projects on the move to improve quality of life for our sailors, and innovative work being done with regards to drones and uncrewed systems. It’s...