As with most armies based on the
British Army model, the Canadian Armed Forces have utilized the rank of sergeant since their creation. Up until the 1920s, it was spelled "
serjeant," but the modern spelling gradually took over in the years leading up to and during
World War II. The sergeant is the lowest-ranking
non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank in the Canadian Forces.
Sergeants are addressed by rank (and never as "sir"), as with the example "Sergeant Bloggins, come here." The use of the abbreviated term "sarge" is not tolerated. (On parade, the rank may be pronounced "s'r'ant," frequently during roll call.) In the Navy, the equivalent rank to the sergeant is the Petty Officer, 2nd Class (PO2). Sailors of this standing should addressed as "Petty Officer," or "P.O.". Sergeants in French-speaking units are addressed as "sergent"; the French translation of PO2 is "un maître de deuxieme classe" (m 2).
Presently, sergeants in the Canadian Forces are identified by an insignia consisting of three downward-pointing chevrons topped by a maple leaf. The emblem is worn on the upper part of both sleeves (excepting mess kit, when it is only worn on the right side) in most cases, including dress tunics and combat uniforms. The insignia may be affixed to an epaulet when worn with work-dress sweaters, parkas or flight suits. Air Force units use the same ranks as Army units.
Prior to the 1967 unification of the Canadian armed services, the rank insignia for sergeants consisted of three chevrons. An additional rank of staff sergeant/flight sergeant was used (denoted by three chevrons topped with a British Imperial Crown), but was phased out in 1967.
Examples of posts held by servicemen and servicewomen holding this rank include CQMS (Company Quartermaster Sergeant), Platoon 2IC (Second-in-Command), Company Clerk and Detachment Commander.
Master Corporal ← Canadian Forces Ranks and Insignia → Warrant Officer
Sources:
D-Net -
http://www.dnd.ca/site/Community/Insignia/arma_e.htm
CANUCK: The Canadian Soldier in the 20th Century -
http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/ranks/nco.htm