The Canadian Rangers originate from the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers, a group created in 1942 to act as coastal watchers during the Second World War.
The Canadian Ranger as we know them today was formally established as a Corps of the Reserve Militia by an order-in-council in 1947. There are currently approximately 4,000 Canadian Rangers who provide a military presence in those sparsely settled coastal and isolated areas of Canada that could not be conveniently or economically covered by other elements of the Canadian Rangers. They are an important reflection of Canada's identity, culture and heritage.
In 1998, the Canadian Rangers were reorganized into five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups (CRPGs) reflecting the geographic makeup of Canada. They are organized as follows:
1 CRPG is located in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut;
2 CRPG is located in Quebec;
3 CRPG is located in Ontario;
4 CRPG is located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba; and
5 CRPG is located in Newfoundland and Labrador.
4 CRPG, with its headquarters in Victoria expanded the Canadian Rangers into Manitoba and formed a detachment headquarters in Winnipeg, during the winter of 2001. At present, Manitoba has 170 Canadian Rangers in seven isolated communities: Churchill, Lac Brochet, Lynn Lake, Snow Lake, Gillam, Shamattawa, and St. Theresa Point.
These Canadian Rangers have a tremendous impact on the lives of people in their local communities. They are some of the most prominent members of their communities who have a positive influence on their peers and are often held up as role models for the youth in the community. Since 2003, the Canadian Rangers of Manitoba have acted as mentors and educators for more than 200 young people involved in the Junior Canadian Ranger (JCR) Program. The JCR Program is a youth program focused on imparting life, traditional and Ranger skills to young Canadians between the ages of 12 to 18.
Canadian Rangers are men and women over 18 years of age who are Canadian citizens, live in the patrol location, are in good health and willing to be members of the Canadian Rangers. Becoming a Canadian Ranger can be the fulfillment of a lifetime commitment, as exemplified by Ranger George Lundi of Churchill, who is currently in his 25th year of service to the CF as a ranger.
The Canadian Ranger Patrols in Manitoba have been busy over the years. They have assisted: LFWA units during pre deployment training, 38 Brigades Arctic Response training, Office of the Fire Commissioner (GSAR), RCMP (GSAR), and Western Canada Aviation Museum (aircraft recovery). The Canadian Rangers also frequently represents the only identifiable and formed group that is ready and able to aid their community in times of need.
This extraordinary dedication and co-operation of the Canadian Rangers resulted in the awarding of the 38 Brigade Commander Commendations for their outstanding commitment to Ex Northern Bison 08. Canadian Rangers are also often recognized individually, Ranger Master Cpl. Jonas Denedchezhe of the Lac Brochet Patrol was awarded the Medal of Bravery for his selfless, heroic actions in saving lives during a house fire.
The Canadian Rangers uniform is based on the concept that the Rangers, being outdoors people, are well equipped and able to survive in their environment. Their uniform consists of the symbolic red ranger sweatshirt, t-shirt, ball cap, CADPAT pants and boots. Personal equipment also includes a No. 4 Lee Enfield rifle and ammunition. Each patrol is also provided with wall tents, first aid kits, a Global Positioning System (GPS), compasses, a short wave radio and a satellite phone.
Canadian Rangers provide their own personal vehicle (trucks, snowmobiles, boats, ATV) and are eligible to receive compensation for its use.
All Canadian Rangers are considered trained upon enrolment however all CRPGs conduct additional military skills training, and annual collective training. Canadian Rangers are encouraged to participate in a seven-day Development Phase 1 (DP1) qualification course held either centrally or in the community. This training includes basic drill, rifle training, general military knowledge, navigation (map, compass, GPS), first aid, basic search and rescue, aiding in Domestic Operations, guiding and communications.
Canadian Rangers also receive 12 days of patrol sustainment training each year which may involve advanced levels of first aid, flood and fire evacuation, search and rescue, disaster assistance, communications, marksmanship exercises, and setting up bivouac sites.
Without the assistance of the Canadian Rangers in Manitoba, it would be difficult and perhaps even impossible for our military personnel to operate in those isolated regions of Manitoba. Their expertise in survival, travel and knowledge of their local geographical areas is second to none. More than just the "eyes and ears" of the community, the Canadian Rangers of Manitoba are vital members of the Canadian Rangers.
