I recall it being on the first page of the online application, did you apply online?
If I recall correctly you will need to eventually submit for a security clearance, I am thinking it is secret for officer, but you need to initially I think do reliability or enhanced reliability, which may be the reason for the references. If I recall you will need what is it 4, which are like 2 personal and 2 professional/school etc.. something like that.
I think they were needed by the time the interview happened. There are multiple steps.
Having recently also applied online for I think ROTP for comission I sort of recall the forms being mentioned on one of the first pages. While at the end of the application it references to the birth certificate/id and transcripts.
From what I understand the CFvRC needs those two peices of documentation to determine eligibility or suitability before sending you to the local recruiting real world location. I am thinking at some point you will need to supply the references and other forms as part of the application process. However, as stated they may not be part of the initial application.
If in doubt I suggest you contact the CFvRC or your local recruiting office if there is one.
You will if I am correct need to get the forms done.
This may help
http://cdn.forces.ca/_PDF2010/CF_ApplicationProcedure.pdf <-- note it is from 2010 though.
Note the last comment down here
http://www.forces.ca/en/page/applynow-100#step1-2
with the GCKey you can start filling in the Canadian Forces online application form, which will take about 30 minutes. Once your online application has been sent to the Canadian Forces Virtual Recruiting Centre, a recruiter will send you an email reminding you to mail in photocopies of:
your birth certificate
a piece of government issued photo id
transcripts from your highest level of education
any proof of trade qualifications or professional licenses, and
any additional forms required for the job or program you selected.
Note the "remind you" part.
You may notice there are multiple pages on the online application process. With tabs for each step of the process step 2 goes into more background on part of how your references may be used.
http://www.forces.ca/en/page/applynow-100#step2-3
If you applied online I'd suggest checking your email.
Example looking for something from an email like " eRecruiting@dnd.ca "