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One of the questions that Defence Watch readers have asked has to do with Christmas leave for Canadian Forces personnel.

Rumours have been circulating that Christmas leaves are being cancelled across the board. That is supposedly because some 25,000 Syrian refugees are expected in Canada by the end of this year and the Canadian military will play a significant role in this massive endeavour (i.e. transporting and housing refugees along with logistics).

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So what is happening?

“There has been no formal direction from a CAF Command level to cancel leave for CAF members during the winter holiday period,” noted DND spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier. “However, as a matter of prudent planning, the Canadian Armed Forces personnel requirements to support any operation are always being reviewed and updated as necessary.

The requirement for some to work over the Christmas period has not been discounted.”

Defence sources tell Defence Watch that those working at bases that are to house the refugees would see their leaves being cancelled. In addition, those involved in support of such an endeavour (logistics, military police, for instance) could also see that happening.

But for now the military is still waiting for the government to decide on what bases are going to be used and how this operation will unfold.

On another note, Defence Watch has received word that some military folks have been volunteering to delay their leave to they can help.