In an effort to be more gender diverse, the Royal Canadian Navy has officially sunk the rank of “seaman.”.For decades the RCN has referred to its ranks as “ordinary seaman,” “able seaman,” “leading seaman” and “master seaman.”.“We appreciate tradition,” Cmdr. Deborah-Lynn Gates told The Canadian Press..“And we’re not downplaying tradition absolutely at all. But it’s truly a matter for us to show that we are progressive and that we are listening and we are really, truly representative of Canadian society.”.Gates said the move is also aimed at making sure the navy’s most junior members feel safe and proud of their ranks and jobs,.“What this will do is ensure a safe environment so there is no double entendre,” Gates told the CP. . gatesDeborah-Lynn Gates .“Definitely at the tactical level, we want to make sure our most junior members understand and feel safe when they are being called their rank, being called their name or being addressed.”.Starting Friday, members of the navy as well as the public will be able to vote online on two alternatives to seaman.. Defying crackdown, hundreds march against lockdowns in Calgary .Both variants substituting “sailor” in place of “seaman” in different ways..The poll will run until the end of July. .The final decision on the new name will rest with cabinet..Gates suggested to CP the use of “seaman” has been a potential barrier to recruitment for the navy, which has been pushing to address a shortage of 850 sailors. .“When they hear you’ll start off as an ordinary seaman, it’s maybe just a little thing, but it did not resonate,” Gates said..“So we know it’s not resonating with recruits and for us it’s a matter of making sure we’re being representative and that we are modern and forward-looking.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
