Contamination on Canadian Forces Bases: Landmark Parliamentary Committee Report demonstrates the need for National Defence focus on environmental health

Long-awaited report on Canadian Armed Forces contaminated sites, and next steps

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 3, 2026 /CNW/ — Prevent Cancer Now (PCN) is cautiously optimistic following release of a Parliamentary study of contaminated sites on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) properties. The Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) made 11 recommendations to recognise and address environmental exposures and occupational illnesses with greater urgency, transparency, information and support for CAF members, plus exposure prevention.

During the 1960s, American Vietnam War-era “Rainbow” herbicides with persistent, toxic contaminants were tested in New Brunswick forests at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown. Spraying hazardous herbicides on training grounds became routine, and young trainees, who spent weeks in the dust and chemical residues, eventually developed cancers and other exposure-related diseases.

PCN Board Chair Dr. Meg Sears noted, “Twenty years ago, re-analysis of CFB Gagetown ‘fact-finding project identified that dioxin contamination persisted in fish, mussels and eels, decades after spraying. This NDDN report is a roadmap to address toxins on military sites.”

As of June 2026, there were 2,750 Department of National Defence (DND) and CAF contaminated sites in Canada.

“That number should shock every Canadian,” said PCN board member, veteran Erin Zimmerman, who testified at committee and is quoted in the report. “A lack of transparency, communication and remediation is causing irreversible impacts on these bases and communities.”

PCN has proposed A Federal Occupational and Environmental Exposure Information Framework DND pilot project for the upcoming federal budget. Environmental, occupational illnesses among CAF members, veterans and families would be recognized with care and compensation, and cleanup of contaminated sites.  

PCN board member, retired physician Dr. Richard van der Jagt also applauded the report. “I have worked with and advocated to Veterans Affairs on behalf of patients who developed health effects, including cancers, from long-ago exposures to the defoliants at Gagetown,” he said. “I was sad with the recent passing of another patient, following exposures during his career with CAF. This report has been a long time coming and we must act promptly, with financial support in the upcoming budget for military Occupational Health.”

The mission of Prevent Cancer Now is to build a Canada-wide movement to eliminate preventable contributors to cancer through research, awareness, education and advocacy.

SOURCE Prevent Cancer Now