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A soldier of the 41 Canadian Brigade Group carries ammunition for a C9 squad automatic weapon during training at CFB Suffield, Alta., on Oct. 19, 2024. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
By Liam Verster
Underused Facility

Local MP calls for Vernon cadet camp be used for Armed Forces expansion

Jun 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM

The MP for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee has called for the local cadet camp to be used for military growth.

Scott Anderson said the Vernon Army Cadet Summer Training Centre could be used as a permanent installation for Canadian Armed Forces growth and expansion as it presents a strategic opportunity with its existing military infrastructure, training areas, and established military heritage.

In a release, Anderson said the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) had a goal to grow by between 23,000 and 30,000 new members, and that Vernon was equipped to take in at least 1,000 of those individuals.

He also stated the expansion of the military into Vernon would have economic benefits, and would also see additional resources in the area to assist with emergencies such as wildfires

“This government is promising to spend taxpayer money to expand the CAF,” Anderson in the release.

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“It makes sense to keep that money in Canada if possible, and it makes sense to save taxpayers millions of dollars in new construction costs if possible. The Vernon base achieves both these goals.”

He also said the base in the North Okanagan would be an ideal location for CAF training as, “Vernon has an airport and flight school, dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and vast lakes all around for operational exercises.”

The local MP penned a letter requesting the Department of National Defense undertake an assessment of the cadet camp in Vernon and consider it as a potential site for future expansion.

by Liam Verster
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