The McGill Contingent of the Canadian Officers' Training Corps was established in 1912 to train students as militia officers. It's first commander was V.I. Smart, a McGill professor of railway engineering. The McGill C.O.T.C. was formally connected with the 148th (McGill) Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and associated with a number of other units. During the Second World War, the contingent's role was reduced to training officers for the Canadian army. Overall the McGill C.O.T.C. provided military training for more than 12,000 men.
Formed in 1993, Canadian Heritage, or Patrimoine canadien, is the department of the Government of Canada that has roles and responsibilities related to initiatives that promote and support Canadian identity and values, cultural development, and heritage. To fulfill these tasks, the department coordinates a portfolio of several agencies and corporations that operate in a similar area of interest. The four main areas are Sports, Major Events and Commemorations; Citizenship, Heritage and Regions; Cultural Affairs, and Strategic policy.
