Angela Z.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Heritage Fair

Camp X

Camp X was a WWII secret agent training Camp on the Northern Shore of Lake Ontario. It had extensive contributions to both World War II and the Cold War, influencing the leadership of the RCMP and CIA, and forming the foundation of modern spy training. Yet, this camp is not well-remembered and it is on the brim of sinking forever into history.

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I learned that many important figures have connections with Camp X. Kim Philby, a trainer of Camp X who co-wrote the training manual, was later found out to be a double agent and became one of the most notorious defectors in history. Bill Donovan was a trainer of Camp X who became one of the founding members of the CIA. Last but not least, George McClellan Jr. helped identify recruits at Camp X and went on the become the commissioner of the RCMP.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

Out of the 600 trainees and trainers, I can only source down around 30. Almost all documents regarding Camp X has either been burned or locked by order of the official secrets act. The original Camp site has been completely bulldozed. The history of Camp X should never be forgotten, and Canadians should immediately take action to preserve this part of our history. Please join my mission and sign my petition at https://www.change.org/p/justin-trudeau-commemorate-camp-x.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life is vastly different from those of secret agents. Many trainees of Camp X died while training, even more while operating behind enemy lines. Often, their deaths were slow and painful, being tortured and starved to death in jails. However, without them, Canada might be a different place, and Canadians might not be able to enjoy a peaceful life.