The Air Cadet League of Canada was created in 1940 in response to a request from the Minister of National Defence to set up a national volunteer organization. This organization would train boys to prepare them for the day when they could take their place among the Royal Canadian Air Force air crews. The Air Cadet League of Canada was created by federal Order-in-Council on November 11, 1940, received its charitable charter on April 9, 1941 and held its first meeting in June 1941. Provincial committees were initiated shortly after this meeting
The Air Cadet League of Canada underwent many major changes after the end of the Second World War. The air cadet program has adapted to new priorities, including the creation of summer camps. The Air Cadet League of Canada continues to evolve and support its military partner as the program evolves with the needs and new realities of Canadian youth.
The evolution of the air cadet program in Canada:
| Year | Number of squadrons | Number of cadets | Notes |
| 1941 | 79 | 8,000 | |
| 1942 | 135 | 10,000 | |
| 1943 | 350 | 29,119 | |
| 1944 | 374 | 29,037 | |
| 1946 | 155 | 11,000 | Start of motorized flight camp |
| 1947 | Start of international exchange | ||
| 1950 | 198 | 16,746 | |
| 1952 | Start of leadership camp | ||
| 1955 | 277 | 21,099 | Start of drill instructor training |
| 1960 | 332 | 25,000 | |
| 1979 | 380 | 28,000 | |
| 2003 | 445 | 25,116 | |
| 2011 | 455 | 24,316 | |
| 2019 | 458 | 27,646 | |
| 2023 | 454 | > 26,000 | |
| 2024 | 449 | 27,642 |
To find out more about the Air Cadet League of Canada, click. here.
The Quebec and Ottawa Valley provincial committee was created in 1941, but has only been incorporated since 1976.