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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May 31 in History

On this date in 1827, the 15th Company of Royal Sappers and Miners arrived to build the Rideau Canal.

News

1 CER Combative Evolutions in the Engineer Branch

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 Combative training in 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) has experienced a strong revival over the past several years, driven by dedicated soldiers committed to preparing Sappers for the realities of the modern battlefield. What began as a grassroots initiative has evolved into a structured grappling program that emphasizes controlled aggression, resilience, and confidence under pressure. Last summer marked a significant…

Sapper Story - WO Adam Crozier - Service Beyond Regiment

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 Warrant Officer Adam Crozier exemplifies what it means to serve and committed to service both in uniform and in the community. Adam enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a Combat Engineer on 31 Mar 2009, motivated by a strong desire to serve on operations in Afghanistan. Originally from Ontario, Adam was offered postings closer to home but chose a more demanding path. He volunteered for 1 Combat Engineer…

RPOU(W) Marks CME Birthday as the Start of Asian Heritage Month 2026

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 Real Property Operations Unit (West) (RPOU(W)) launched its Asian Heritage Month (AHM) 2026 celebrations on 29 Apr 26, the Canadian Military Engineer (CME) Birthday, marking the beginning of a month‑long series of cultural education and engagement activities. This year’s celebration marks the third consecutive year that RPOU(W) has proudly recognized and amplified Asian heritage within the Defence Team. The CME Birthday…

Heritage Moments

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…

British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

Before the outbreak of the Second World War, the British Government had determined that it needed facilities outside the United Kingdom for the training of large numbers of aircrew for the Royal Air Force. Canada, with its large land areas and clear weather conditions was considered to be an ideal location. With the outbreak of war in September 1939, the decision was made among the Allies to make Canada the location for much of the British Commonwealth aircrew training…

Setting Up a ROWPU

Water Every Where

During conflict, a poor water supply can cause even more casualties than the enemy and there are examples where soldiers have died in the thousands due to unsanitary camp conditions and from drinking contaminated water. Good quality drinking water is one of the basic necessities that is critical to humanitarian operations. The task of providing potable water falls to the Military Engineers. The treatment of raw water used to be based on the processes of coagulation and…

Retirements

MWO/Adjum M.D.A. Carter, CD

After more than 20 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MWO M.D.A. Carter, CD, (00307) will retire on 24 August 2026. 

Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to WO J.J.D. St-Louis at: johnatan.st-louis@forces.gc.ca

Master Warrant Officer Matthew D. A. Carter, CD has served in the Canadian Armed Forces since 19 January 2006 as a member of the Regular Force. He is a Canadian Military Engineer specializing as a Construction Engineering Superintendent (CE SUPT).

Originally from Kentville, Nova Scotia, MWO Carter began his military career in the Primary Reserve with The West Nova Scotia Regiment before transferring to the Regular Force and

joining…

Cpl B. Ouellette

After more than 9 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Cpl B. Ouellette, will be released on 3 June 2026. 

Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to Sgt J. Huard: joey.huard@forces.gc.ca

Corporal Bruno Ouellette enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on 18 July 2008 at the Rimouski Detachment of the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC Quebec). Corporal Ouellette was posted to the Naval Fleet School (Pacific) in Victoria, British Columbia, where he completed his basic occupational training in naval electrical systems. 

In 2009, he was transferred to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and posted to Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ville de Québec, where he served as a Marine…

Cpl R.P. Bostad

After more than 6 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Cpl R.P. Bostad, (00301) will be released on 3 June 2026.

Departure with Dignity (DWD) 
A DwD reception will be held on 29 May at 1200 at Ken's Diner (Edmonton). If attending, please RSVP to MCpl G. Alger: Gustine.Alger@forces.gc.ca. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.

After more than six years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineers, Corporal Robert “Rob” P. Bostad, will retire on 03 June 2026.

 Cpl Bostad was raised on a small hobby farm in central Ontario, where he developed foundational values of hard work, self-reliance, loyalty, and…

Last Posts

MCpl Gregory Graeme Fairlie, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal  Gregory Graeme Fairlie, CD (Ret’d) of Fort Saskatchewan on 16 May 2026 at the age of 51. 

Greg was born in Fort Saskatchewan and served with 8 Field Engineer Regiment/41 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton from 1996 to 2024. His service included a deployment in 1999-2000 with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment on Op PALLADIUM Roto 6 as part of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia.

A celebration of life was held on 29 May 2026 at the Fort Saskatchewan Legion at 5:00 pm. 
In lieu of flowers, donations to a financial fund for the children would be greatly appreciated.

Spr Shawn David Angus MacAskill (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Shawn David Angus MacAskill (Ret'd), of Port Hawkesbury NS, peacefully at his home on 3 May 2026 at age 50.

Born and raised in Dundee, Shawn was a graduate of St. Peter’s District High School. He went on to serve his country with dedication and pride in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Combat Engineer.  Shaun’s service included a deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and he was also involved in national emergency assistance actions such as the severe flooding in Manitoba and the ice storm in Ontario and Quebec.

Following his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Shawn held various local jobs before heading west to Alberta for work. When his health took a turn for the worse, he returned home to Cape Breton. 

Cremation has taken place. A service will be held on 13 June at 1:00 p.m. at Black River United Church (1796 Black River Road, Dundee). Burial at the Black River Cemetery will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Black River United Church in Shawn’s memory. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 
 

Melville Harvey Ray

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Melville Harvey Ray, CD (Ret'd) a resident of Chatham-Kent at the Riverview Gardens Nursing Home on 2 May 2026 at the age of 86.

Born in Windsor, ON, Harvey served a career with the Canadian Military Engineers that included postings such as 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown, NB, 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany; and 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, BC. He was one of the "Original 18" who formed the Airfield Damage Repair unit in Canadian Forces Europe.

In accordance with Harvey's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family would appreciate donations made in memory of Harvey to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home..