This message was sent to ##Email## To advertise in this publication please click here October 30, 2020 .TOP NEWS Canada jumps closer to military-spending target thanks to COVID-19's economic damage CTV News Canada has taken a big leap closer to meeting its promise to the NATO military alliance to spend a larger share of its economy on defence thanks to an unexpected assist from COVID-19. New NATO figures released Wednesday show that largely thanks to the pandemic, Canada is poised to spend the equivalent of more of its gross domestic product on defence this year than at any point in the past decade. READ MORE New aircrew badge announcement made at 22 Wing North Bay Skies The Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) unveiled the new Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircrew badge (‘wings’) at North Bay’s 22 Wing/Canadian Air Defence Sector on Oct. 23. The badge was converted from the current upswept flight crew specialty badge to the more appropriate out-stretched full wing Aircrew Flying badge and will be worn by AWACS qualified Aerospace Controllers (AECs) and Aerospace Control Operators (AC Ops). The timing of this ceremony was fitting given that October 2020 marks the 80th anniversary of air defence operations in the RCAF. READ MORE Progress toward gender balance in peacekeeping in 'peril,' committee told CBC News The United Nations' goal of getting more women to serve in peacekeeping missions in conflict zones is at risk now because of the global pandemic and an erratic approach to gender equality taken by countries before the pandemic hit, a Canadian diplomat said today. Testifying before the House of Commons committee on national defence, Jacqueline O'Neill — who holds the title of ambassador for women, peace and security — acknowledged that the progress made to date on gender balance in peacekeeping has been on paper, but said she remains optimistic. READ MORE Canadian Armed Forces on standby for 'month' before being deployed to Ontario long-term care homes CTV News The Canadian Armed Forces stood at the ready for an entire month before being called in by the Ontario government to help stabilize several long-term care homes struggling to handle COVID-19 outbreaks. The revelation came during testimony given to the COVID-19 Commission into Long-Term Care by Brigadier-General Conrad Mialkowski, who led the more than two-month operation. READ MORE Lockheed F-35 full-production decision delayed as key test slips BNN Bloomberg Pentagon officials have delayed approving full-rate production of Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 jet because combat simulation testing that’s needed before that key decision on the $398 billion program has slipped into next year. The testing that was originally scheduled for 2017 and most recently for December has been postponed again because of difficulties finishing technical preparations. Now, both the testing and the production decision “are scheduled in 2021,” Jessica Maxwell, spokeswoman for Defense Department acquisition chief Ellen Lord, said in a statement. READ MORE Blair: Canadian Armed Forces to assist in Neskantaga First Nation amid water crisis Global News Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will be sent to Neskantaga First Nation in Ontario to assist in the ongoing evacuations as the community struggles with a water crisis, the country’s safety minister says. In a tweet Tuesday evening, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair said the federal government has approved a request from Ontario to assist the community. READ MORE .UPCOMING EVENTS Royal Canadian Air Force Association Trust CanadaHelps People who wish to make donations to the Air Cadet League, through the SPAADS effort can do so at this link. Air Cadet League 2020 Campaign RCAF Envisioned as Canada's premier and world class youth development movement, the Air Cadet program seeks to encourage and enhance the development of well-adjusted, civic minded youth in undertaking leadership roles in a great Canada and a better world. The Air Cadet League of Canada's mission is to promote Canadian youth to develop an interest in aviation and aerospace and to provide opportunities to engage in enriching program elements such as physical education, music and public speaking. Since 1941, the Air Cadet League of Canada has supported the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, both financially and through the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, to ensure that Canada's Supporting Air Cadets makes a difference in the lives of young people. Let's work together to make sure that every Cadet has the opportunities — donate today! READ MORE   RCAF Association News Connect with RCAF Dennis Hall, Director of Publishing, MultiView, 469-420-2656 | Download media kit Oliver Kirby, Senior Content Editor, MultiView, 289-695-5401| Contribute news Royal Canadian Air Force Association 222 Somerset St. W., 4th Floor, Suite 405  |  Ottawa, ON, K2P 2G3  613-232-2303  |  Contact Us  |  www.rcafassociation.ca Click here to unsubscribe.  Learn how to add us to your safe sender list so our emails get to your inbox. ADVERTISE SUBSCRIBE PAST ISSUES   7701 Las Colinas Ridge, Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063