South Alberta Light Horse to remain under new operational command

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers

In a meeting on April 1, it was announced that the 3rd Canadian Division will not be moving forward with its rebadge of South Alberta Light Horse troops in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

These troops will remain SALH members, and instead fall under the Operational Command of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment (KOCR), conducting exercises and training with them.

“I consider this a major victory for the SALH family,” said Ian Parkinson, a member of South Alberta Light Horse Regimental Association. “I would thank all of those who took up the cause. I believe the association and our membership comported ourselves in a respectful and dignified manner while still pursuing a goal about which we were passionate.”

Parkinson added that the SALH Foundation took a measured approach and worked hard to understand the issue, and took in wise counsel provided by those not directly associated with the regiment. While not all members were opposed to the initial proposal, which would have replaced SALH with the King’s Own Calgary Regiment, Parkinson considers the current plan to be the ideal for all parties.

“I had useful conversations with a few members who did not believe we should oppose the Army’s plan, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into those conversations,” said Parkinson.

The squadron will remain SALH in both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, while the regimental headquarters and Headquarters Squadron will migrate to Edmonton, to support significant expansion of the regiment’s recruiting efforts in Edmonton.

“This is a positive way forward for the Armour Regiments in Alberta and we look forward to a stronger regiment committing to Canada’s international missions,” said Parkinson.

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