 The historical links between the British and Canadian armies ended in 1969.The major operation for the Canadian Forces in 1969 was domestic when the "Service de police de la Ville de Montréal" went on strike on 7 October 1969, leading to rioting in Montreal that required the Army to put down.In 1970 Cadieux's successor as Defence Minister, Donald Macdonald, announced to the House of Commons that the safeguarding Canada's sovereignty and helping with "the social and economic development of Canada" were the main purpose of the Canadian Forces.