President’s Message

Leading Forward: A Message from the President

As I step into the role of President of the Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL), I do so with a deep sense of pride, responsibility, and optimism for the future.

For more than 85 years, the Air Cadet League has played a vital role in helping shape the lives of young Canadians. While the cadet program is often recognized for its uniforms, parade nights, weekend training, and aviation opportunities, its true impact runs much deeper. It is about confidence built through challenge, leadership developed through experience, and a sense of belonging that stays with cadets long after they leave the program.

What makes this possible is not simply the program itself—it is the people behind it.

Across the country, thousands of volunteers dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to ensure cadets have every opportunity to succeed. Sponsors, donors, and community partners provide unwavering support, helping to sustain and strengthen the program in communities large and small. Together, they form the foundation of an organization that changes lives every day, often quietly and without recognition. As President, one of my foremost priorities is to ensure that this dedication is not only acknowledged, but actively supported, celebrated, and strengthened.

Our role as a League is both unique and essential. We are more than an administrative organization—we are enablers of opportunity. We advocate for cadets, support squadrons, foster community partnerships, and help ensure that young people have access to experiences that inspire growth, confidence, and achievement. Through the commitment of our members and volunteers, we help create the conditions that allow cadets to thrive.

Accessibility will remain a central focus. Every young person who wishes to participate in the Air Cadet Program should have the opportunity to do so. Achieving this requires us to continue reducing barriers, strengthening community outreach, and ensuring that our support systems are equitable, responsive, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

At the same time, we must remain forward-looking. Our relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group, will continue to build upon our shared commitment to Canada’s youth. The newest Memorandum of Understanding reflects the importance of that relationship and provides a framework for continued collaboration. Together, we must seek new opportunities to strengthen our relationship, align our efforts, and maximize the benefits we provide to cadets across the country.

The environment in which we operate continues to evolve. The way young people engage, the expectations of volunteers, and the realities facing community organizations are changing. To remain strong and relevant, the League must continue to adapt. This includes embracing innovation, modernizing how we communicate and operate, strengthening volunteer engagement, and building strategic partnerships that expand our reach and impact.

Equally important is how we work together.

The strength of the Air Cadet League lies in its people—from squadron sponsoring committees and provincial/Territorial committees to national leadership. Open communication, transparency in decision-making, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to our mission will be essential to our continued success. My leadership will be grounded in collaboration because the best outcomes are achieved when we bring diverse perspectives together in pursuit of a common goal.

To our cadets: you are, and always will be, at the centre of everything we do.

You represent not only the future of this program, but the future of Canada. Your ambition, resilience, curiosity, and leadership inspire us every day. It is our responsibility—and our privilege—to ensure you are provided with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and reach your full potential.

The legacy of the Air Cadet League of Canada is strong, but it is not static. It is a legacy that each generation inherits, strengthens, and passes forward. Together, we have a responsibility to ensure that this remarkable organization continues to evolve while remaining true to the values and purpose that have guided it for more than eight decades.

I am honoured to serve as President and look forward to working alongside our volunteers, partners, supporters, and cadets as we continue to grow, adapt, and make a lasting difference.

Together, we will ensure that the Air Cadet experience remains one of the most impactful youth development opportunities in Canada—not only for today, but for generations to come.

Jacquie Pepper-Journal CD
President, Air Cadet League of Canada