December 20, at École le Manège, 821 Richelieu Victoriaville Squadron welcomed Major Joël Tourigny to talk about his military career and the impact his own time in the Cadet program had on his career. During his presentation, the Cadets learned more about the various aspects of being an air combat systems officer, a position Tourigny has held for more than a decade. The Cadets were very interested in Tourigny’s career path, and they also enjoyed learning more about the characteristics of the aircraft used in this line of work.
A native of Victoriaville, Tourigny enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2011. As an air combat systems officer, he began flying the CT142 Dash 8, an aircraft specifically used for Royal Canadian Air Force crew training. He then worked as a navigator aboard the CP140 Aurora, a patrol aircraft whose main mission is submarine detection. Over the years, he became an instructor and participated in several operations and missions around the world. Since June, Tourigny has been responsible for flight safety at 14 Wing Greenwood. He also continues to fly occasionally with 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron.
Although his career progression has now led him to a different position, wherever he goes he feels a sense of belonging to his work team, which is one of the things he appreciates most about his job. He recalls having the same feeling when he himself was a Cadet with 821 Squadron.
As the last activity of 2025, the evening concluded with a ceremony highlighting the achievements of various Cadets. Tourigny was the guest of honour for the occasion.
The Canada Cadet Program promotes physical fitness, leadership and citizenship principles among young people aged 12 to 18. Offered free of charge, it provides Cadets with the opportunity to participate in unique activities that allow them to acquire skills, build their self-confidence and develop competencies that will accompany them into adulthood.
