In 1967, the Defence Council approved the formation of CANEX and shortly thereafter, in 1968, CANEX commenced business.

For the next 22 years, CANEX operated under local management, with policy direction emanating from National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ).

 

In March of 1990, CANEX was restructured as a line organization, operating as a field unit of ADM(HR-Mil). In 1996, the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) stood up, with CANEX as a division of CFPSA. In 2008, CFPSA became Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services (CFPFSS). Overall direction for CFPFSS and CANEX is provided
by the NPP Board, which includes representatives from each of the CF Commands.

In order for CANEX facilities to obtain the lowest possible costs, buying is coordinated through the Merchandising and Marketing department located in Ottawa, which also provides technical support in areas such as grocery, convenience, petroleum, and food services.