The Squad Behind the Squadron

Every cadet who laces up their boots, polishes their badge, and stands at attention — has a parent who can do the same. Learn how you can support the mission.

The Squadron Support Committee (SSC) is the civilian volunteer organization that works hand-in-hand with the military staff to keep the 100 Laval Air Cadet program running. Think of it as the engine room behind the parade square — the group of dedicated parents and community members who handle everything from finances and fundraising to logistics and advocacy.

The SSC is a legally incorporated non-profit organization, separate from the Canadian Armed Forces. It is accountable to its members — the parents and families of every cadet in the squadron — and its decisions directly impact the quality and breadth of the cadet experience.

Without an active SSC, many of the activities, trips, and events that make the cadet program extraordinary simply cannot happen. It is not an optional add-on. It is the foundation.

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Financial Oversight

The SSC manages squadron funds, approves budgets, and ensures every dollar serves the cadets. Transparency and accountability are at the core.

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Activities & Events

From year-end banquets to fundraising drives, the SSC plans, organizes, and executes events that bring the squadron community together.

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Parent Liaison

The SSC is the official voice of cadet families. It bridges communication between parents and the squadron's military leadership.

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Program Support

Trips, gliding, summer camp applications, uniforms — the SSC supports the logistical backbone that makes extraordinary opportunities possible.

Show Up for Your Cadet

Your cadet shows up every week — in uniform, standing tall, giving their best. The SSC is how you do the same. Elections are held annually, and the door is always open. Come to the next meeting, introduce yourself, and be part of something that matters.

The Bigger Picture 

Part of Something Much Larger

When you join the SSC of 100 Laval Air Cadets, you are not just volunteering for a local club. You are becoming an official member of the Air Cadet League of Canada — La Ligue des cadets de l'air du Canada — one of Canada's oldest and most respected youth-serving civilian organizations, founded in 1941.

The League operates as a structured national network with three levels: national, provincial, and local. Every SSC in every squadron across the country is a local branch of this national organization. That means the work you do here in Laval is part of a movement that reaches over 570 squadrons and more than 26,000 cadets coast to coast.

What This Means for You

Your Role in the Network

The SSC is not an independent parent group — it is the official local branch of the Air Cadet League of Canada. This distinction matters. Your involvement carries real weight within a national civilian structure that operates in formal partnership with the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Here is what that structure means in practice for 100 Laval:

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Formal Accountability

The SSC operates under a governance framework set by the League. It files reports, maintains its charitable status, and answers to the Quebec Provincial Committee — ensuring transparency and legitimacy.

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Screening & Standards

All SSC volunteers are registered and screened through the League's national process, including Vulnerable Sector Checks. This protects the cadets and gives parents confidence in who is involved.

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Provincial Support

The Quebec & Ottawa Valley Provincial Committee supervises and supports all SSCs in the region. If a squadron struggles financially, the Provincial Committee can step in with resources and guidance.

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A Voice at the Table

The SSC Chair of every squadron is a member of the Provincial Committee. That means the president elected at 100 Laval has a direct seat in provincial decisions affecting all Quebec air cadet squadrons.

SSC Positions

Each year, the SSC elects its executive team at the Annual General Meeting. These are volunteer roles — no pay, but immeasurable impact. Here's what each position involves:

🏛️ President (Chair)

~4–6 hrs/mo

The President leads the SSC, chairs monthly meetings, acts as the primary liaison with the Commanding Officer, and ensures the committee fulfills its mandate. This is the highest-visibility role and requires someone organized, communicative, and committed to the squadron's well-being.

  • Chair all SSC meetings
  • Represent the SSC to DND and sponsoring organization
  • Sign official documents and correspondence
  • Set the agenda and strategic direction of the committee

🤝 Vice-President

~3–4 hrs/mo

The Vice-President supports the President and steps in when needed. This role is ideal for someone looking to grow into the President's chair or to support operations across multiple fronts.

  • Assist the President with duties and decisions
  • Chair meetings in the President's absence
  • Take on specific projects or working groups
  • Help coordinate volunteer activities

📋 Secretary

~3–4 hrs/mo

The Secretary keeps the committee organized and documented. If you're detail-oriented and reliable, this role is a perfect fit. Strong written communication skills are an asset.

  • Record and distribute meeting minutes
  • Maintain official SSC records and correspondence
  • Send meeting notices and communications to members
  • Handle administrative filings as required

🎉 Fundraising Coordinator

~2–6 hrs/mo

The Fundraising Coordinator plans and leads initiatives to generate funds for squadron activities. If you're creative, energetic, and connected in the community, this role can have an enormous positive impact.

  • Develop and execute fundraising campaigns
  • Coordinate volunteer participation in events
  • Seek sponsorships and community partnerships
  • Report fundraising progress to the executive

💼 Treasurer

~4–5 hrs/mo

The Treasurer is the financial guardian of the squadron's civilian funds. Basic bookkeeping experience is helpful but not mandatory — a willingness to learn and a careful eye for numbers is what matters most.

  • Manage and track squadron bank accounts
  • Prepare monthly and annual financial statements
  • Process reimbursements and payments
  • Present financial reports at each meeting
  • Prepare documents for annual audit or review

⭐ Member at Large

~1–2 hrs/mo

Not ready to take on a named role? That's perfectly fine. Members at Large are essential voices at the table. Attend meetings, vote on decisions, help with events, and contribute however you're able. Every presence counts.

  • Attend monthly SSC meetings
  • Vote on financial and operational decisions
  • Volunteer for events and activities as available
  • Bring the parent community's perspective forward

Requirements & Expectations

Joining the SSC is open to any parent or guardian of an active 100 Laval Air Cadet. The time commitment is modest, the process is straightforward, and the impact is real. Here is what you need to know:

📅Monthly Meetings

SSC members are expected to attend monthly meetings, which are generally held in the evening on a weeknight at squadron headquarters. Meetings typically last 60–90 minutes. Occasional absences are understood — consistent engagement is what matters.

🙋 Volunteer Participation

Beyond meetings, members are encouraged to pitch in for squadron events, parades, and fundraisers throughout the year. The level of involvement scales with your availability — even occasional help is genuinely valued. Something is always better than nothing.

📚 No Prior Experience Needed

You do not need a background in finance, law, military affairs, or event planning. The SSC provides orientation for new members, and experienced committee members are always happy to guide you. A willing heart and a few hours a month is the real requirement.

🌐Language

100 Laval operates in a bilingual environment. Meetings may be conducted in French, English, or both. All are welcome regardless of language preference.

 

Together we fly higher. ✈️

Join Us Today!

We invite you to be an active part of the 100 Laval Squadron volunteers community. Together, we can shape the leaders of tomorrow's aviation world. If you want to join the committee or if you want to talk to us please send us a message and we will get in contact with you