Canadian Military Engineers Association

The CMEA is a dynamic association open to all members of the Canadian Military Engineer family. Since its formation in 2000, it has grown to over 2500 members with more than 21 Chapters and six affiliated Reserve units spread across the country.
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September 2 in History

On this date in 1918, Captain Coulson Mitchell of the 4th Battalion, Canadian Engineers, C.E.F., saved the bridge over the Canal de l’Escaut near Cambrai, France, to earn the Victoria Cross.

News

ADM(IE) Highlights Collaboration, Indigenous Partnerships, and Infrastructure Resilience in Saskatchewan

By: MWO Cameron Wallace, RPOD Dundurn Det SM Assistant Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Environment (ADM(IE)) Mr. Peter Hammerschmidt visited Detachment Dundurn on 4 and 5 Aug 26. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss infrastructure priorities, strengthen relationships with regional partners and engage directly with personnel for the following key focus: Building Cooperation with Whitecap Dakota First Nation The visit began at Whitecap Dakota First Nation,…

23rd Annual Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony

The 23rd Annual Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony will take place at the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) Memorial at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa on Sunday, September 13, 2026. CAF Military Fire Service Involvement CAF Military Fire Service members continue to support the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, including service on the CFFF Board of Directors: CWO Troy Noseworthy — CFFM’s Office John Sobey — CFFF Secretary (CAF Ret’d) Bruce Paradis…

2026 CMEA Memorial Bursary Winners Announced

The CMEA is pleased to announce the names of this year's twelve CMEA Memorial Bursary recipients.  The bursary provides $2500 to each scholar. To date, the CMEA has presented a total of $234,500 to further the educational needs of our members and families. If you are a CMEA member and want to sponsor a scholar, see CMEA Bursary Program for application details. This page will be updated with photos as they are received. Recipient Award…

Heritage Moments

All Sappers Memorial is Dedicated 14 July 1946

As the Second World War was nearing its end in 1945, the Commander of Camp Chilliwack, Lt. Col. C.N. Mitchell, VC, MC, received a suggestion that a monument or plaque be crafted to honour all the Canadian Sappers who had given their lives to protect our freedom. Inspired to improve this idea, Mitchell set plans in motion for a much grander memorial - a Cenotaph and Park that would honour all Commonwealth Sappers. Mitchell directed Major Williams of A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre to…

With the UNEF in Egypt

Peacekeeping activities for the Royal Canadian Engineers began in earnest when the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was authorized on 4 November 1956 for deployment in Egypt. This first United Nations Emergency Force was established to secure an end to the Suez Crisis between Egypt, Israel, Britain and France. The plan envisaged the deployment of UNEF on both sides of the armistice line. Egypt accepted receiving the UN forces, but Israel refused. Lieutenant General Tommy Burns, formerly…

Camp Maple Leaf

A Lesson From History in East Timor

In 1999, East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia. However, after a month of violence and destruction following the referendum, the United Nations authorized an interim Australian-led coalition to help stabilize the new nation. The UN intervened some six months later and Canada contributed some 600 Canadian servicemen over the 6-month duration of Operation TOUCAN.

Tasks for the Canadian ground forces included patrolling rural and urban areas,…

Retirements

MCpl Alastaire Jon "AJ" McDonald

After more than 10 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MCpl A.J. McDonald, (00339) will retire on 7 October 2026. A Departure with Dignity (DWD) will be held on 3 September 26 at 13:00 tentatively at the Unarmed Combat Room, Base Gym, CFB Edmonton. Members wishing to be added to the fight roaster are encouraged to contact the DWD OPI Capt K.S.C. Ho at: Kyle.Ho@forces.gc.ca . Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.

CHIMO!

MCpl Alastaire Jon McDonald (A.K.A. AJ) was born in Ottawa, Ontario. Raised under the strong influence of his father and grandfather who both proud CAF members, he developed an early appreciation for service, discipline, and commitment. Motivated by a…

WO // Adj R.C. “Rollie” Winsor, CD

Après plus de 29 ans de service loyal et dévoué aux Forces armées canadiennes et à la Branche du Génie militaire canadien, l’adjudant R.C. Winsor, CD, (00307) prendra sa retraite le 2 octobre 2026. 

Départ dans la dignité (DDD) 

Une réception DwD aura lieu le 23 octobre à 14:00 au « The Bunker » (Pizza Delight), à Oromocto, NB. Si vous prévoyez y assister, veuillez confirmer votre présence à l'Adj W.G. Sutherland: William.Sutherland@forces.gc.ca. Des…

MWO Trevor McCoul, CD

After more than 21 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MWO T.M. McCoul, CD, will retire on 16 September 2026.

Departure with Dignity (DWD) 

A DWD ceremony will take place on 11 September 2026. Those interested in attending may contact MWO G.K. Cornfield at: Gordon.Cornfield@forces.gc.ca. Those wishing to convey their congratulations, best wishes, or anecdotes are also invited to forward them to the same point of contact.

CHIMO!

After more than 20 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineers, MWO McCoul, CD, will retire…

Last Posts

Spr Philip Emberson Weber (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Sapper Philip Emberson Weber (Ret’d) on 21 August 2026 at his home in Edmonton, AB.

Phil was born in Halifax NS and moved with his parents to eventually live in Fort St. John, BC. Phil joined the Canadian Armed Forces and, after completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, he served with a field squadron in Canada. Phil then served in Germany with 4 Field Squadron in the mid-1960s. 

Phil retired from the Canadian Armed Forces upon returning to Canada.  He initially lived in Edmonton but eventually settled in Fort Saskatchewan in 1978, where he worked as a paramedic for Dow Chemical until he retired. 

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The ALS Society of Alberta.

 

Corporal Bernie Mooney, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Bernie Mooney, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 13 August 2026 in Hamilton, ON.

Bernie joined the Canadian Armed Forces in July 1970 and served with the Canadian Military Engineer family as a Combat Engineer. During his service, Bernie was a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Edmonton, AB; 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, BC; and 4 Field Squadron in Lahr, GE (1975-77). Bernie retired from the Canadian Forces after he returned home to Canada.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Souris Legion { 56 Main Street } on Sunday, 30 August 2026 between 3:00 - 5:00 PM.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

 

Cpl John 'Gary' Gallant, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal John 'Gary' Gallant, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at his home in North Rustico, PEI on 30 July 2026 at age 81.  During his military career, John served as a Firefighter with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1970s in his home province at Canadian Forces Base Summerside.

A graveside service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on 30 August 2026, at the Stella Maris Cemetery in North Rustico. If so desired, donations in Gary's memory may be made to the Stella Maris Cemetery, North Rustico. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.