History Browser

Listing of films from the National Film Board. The role that the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces play in the world is explored through this group of short films. Various peacekeeping missions are looked at as well as some training and recruitment videos.

It would take two defence Ministers, Paul Hellyer and Leo Cadieux, and the Forces Chief of Staff, General Jean V. Allard, to give the impetus to real change in Canada's armed forces. While advances have been made in instruction and training, and the number of francophone units; the problem of integrating two official languages in military operations has yet to be solved.

There are 1125 news releases as of May 6-09, with associated backgrounders. Search by keyword.

A shift of sorts has occurred since the times of the colonial French and British regimes. While Canadian society still depends on major allies to defend itself, relations have changed from one of subservience to the colonial regimes to an alliance with the United States. While attempting to assert a more obvious Canadian stance within these alliances, Canada has yet to take the final step to full independence with a robust fully funded independent military.

The Persian Gulf War of 1990-91 most resembled the Korean War with Canada sending elements from all three services. Participation was limited as Canadians were also deployed elsewhere around the world on United Nations.

Clause 14 in the NATO treaty is described as the “Canada clause”. This clause promoted an economic aspect to the alliance that was initially opposed as being too much at the time.

Students are provided with information on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada, to understand why it has recently received designation as a world heritage site

Vietnam may have been America's war but Canada was heavily involved — for and against. Canada harboured American draft dodgers and helped supervise ceasefires. But at the same time, about 30,000 Canadians volunteered to fight in southeast Asia. And there was Canada's involvement in secret missions, weapons testing and arms production. The CBC Archives looks at Canada's role in the Vietnam War.

A list of past operational missions on which Canadian soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel have been deployed. Includes links to more information about these missions.

This episode deals with Canada's production of the chemical later known as Agent Orange and the after-effects of its use in Vietnam by American forces.