The brigade group is the formation responsible for the majority of francophone units of the regular army.

Founded in 1914, the 5th Brigade of the Canadian Expeditionary Force distinguished itself in many battles, particularly at Ypres, Vimy, The Somme, Passchendaele and the Hindenburg Line.

The 5th Brigade of the Canadian Expeditionary Force was reconstituted in September 1939 as an active service formation.

With the end of the war, the brigade was disbanded and its units resumed their role within the Canadian Reserves.

Two regular force units of other formations 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and 5 Field Ambulance of Canadian Forces Medical Group are collocated with 5 CMBG at CFB Valcartier and work closely with the brigade group but are not officially a part of it.