Defence Team Canadian Asian Network Official Launch

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Icon of the Defence Team Canadian Asian Network

March 5, 2025 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 2:00

Who is the Defence Team Canadian Asian Network

The Defence Team Canadian Asian Network (DTCAN) is a grassroots network focused on celebrating the diversity of Asian cultures present throughout the Defence Team. As a National-level network, the goal is to provide resources and peer-to-peer support; promote cultural exchange, foster meaningful connections between people from different backgrounds; and contribute to raising cultural awareness through education and events for the wider Defence Team. Education, whether formal or informal, is key to challenging stereotypes and promoting accurate representations of Asian communities.

DTCAN welcomes everyone in the Defence Team to join. For more information or to join, you can contact the DTCAN positional mailbox: dtcan-raced@forces.gc.ca.dtcan-raced@forces.gc.ca.

DTCAN Official Launch Event

The DTCAN officially launched from the National Capital Region (NCR) on January 29, 2025 with senior leadership, distinguished guests, DTCAN members and Defence Team members in attendance.

The event featured Commodore (Ret’d) Dr. Hans Jung as the keynote speaker who shared his experiences in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Being of Korean heritage, Commodore (Ret’d) Dr. Jung was the first racialized person to become a General/Flag Officer and the Surgeon General of the CAF. After 31 years of service, he retired as Surgeon General and Commander of Canadian Forces Health Service Group.

DTCAN Military Co-Chair, Lieutenant-Commander Beth Lei shared her personal experiences and why she was inspired to form the DTCAN. She described the need for this network and thanked the Co-Champions for Racialized People, Defence Advisory Groups and other Defence Team networks who helped pave the way for DTCAN.

Attendees heard from the Commander Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau), Colonel Jeffrey Toope, as well as Director General Culture and Defence Team Co-Champion for Racialized People, Rear-Admiral Jacques Olivier, both of whom who spoke about how networks such as DTCAN strengthen the Defence Team. Members of DTCAN also expressed their commitment to showcasing the contributions of Canadian Asians within the Defence Team and amplifying their voices.

DTCAN looks forward to welcoming all interested employees and members across Canada into this newly created network.