RCAF celebrates a century of excellence

Aditya Kapoor: Senior Reporter

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) celebrates 100 years of service with statements from the Federal Government to commemorative coins from the Royal Canadian Mint.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Air Force members dedicated their lives to defending Canada’s peace, freedom, and prosperity in a statement on April 1, 2024.

“In times of war and peace, members of the RCAF have shown unwavering courage. The Second World War marked the first significant challenge for the RCAF, with over 200,000 Canadians joining the Air Force to fight against tyranny and fascism,” Trudeau said.

He said the RCAF contributed to ensuring stability worldwide.

“Since the Second World War generation after generation of Canadians have served – from Afghanistan to the Arctic. The RCAF’s contributions to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Canadian Space Program, and United Nations peacekeeping operations demonstrate its enduring commitment to service,” the prime minister said.

“At home, the RCAF has sup- ported Canadians by delivering disaster relief, including during last year’s devastating wildfire season,” he said.

As the world continues to face threats to global stability, the RCAF is more important than ever, Trudeau said.

“The Government of Canada has invested $44 billion over the past 16 months to provide the RCAF with 138 new or refurbished aircraft – from a new fleet of fighter jets to new multi-mission aircraft,” he said.

In a statement, NDP critic Lindsay Mathyssen said the Air Force is experiencing an unprecedented recruitment and retention crisis.

“The government must provide adequate housing and support to our women who serve, their families, and those who do the thankless work of supporting our military members through cooking, cleaning, and repairing on bases,” she said.

The Royal Canadian Mint also paid tribute to the RCAF, launching the $20 fine silver coin this year, called the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial, according to a press release on April 2.

A media release said the coin was designed by Edmonton artist David Moore.

“The coin’s reverse design features iconic aircraft that open windows on the celebrated past and promising future of the RCAF,” the press release said.

According to the release, the coin is 99.99 per cent pure silver, with a limited mintage of 12,000 and will be sold at a retail price of $109.95.

King Charles III paid tribute to the RCAF and talked about a visit to an RCAF wing, in a message shared by Governor General Mary Simon.

“Over the years, my family and I have had opportunities to meet many dedicated RCAF members,” the King said.

“My wife and I remember with great fondness our visit to an RCAF Wing in 2017, to meet those whose tireless efforts to search for and rescue those in distress have saved countless lives,” he said.

“I honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country, as well as extending my deepest appreciation to all RCAF members, both past and present, and their families,” the King said.