Canadian leaders share thoughts on Remembrance Day

As Canadians mark Remembrance Day with solemn ceremonies and moments of reflection, the country’s leaders have reached out to share their thoughts on the day. Words of reflection and thoughtful calls for respect were shared from at National War Memorial in Ottawa to ceremonies in Regina, Winnipeg and Victoria.

Here is a collection of comments and statements made by Canadian leaders:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, speaking at the National War Memorial in Ottawa:

"The tremendous determination, courage and devotion of our service men and women in these far off places have generated substantive international respect for our country. They have also generated an immense national pride that has united Canadians, allowing us to reach new heights as a nation.

“The same proud tradition, spirit and values that Canadians in uniform held dear decades ago are still very much alive today in those who continue to serve our great country on land, at sea and in the air through peace support and combat missions"

NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair, in a statement:

"Let us take the time to remember and to give thanks to all those who have lost their lives in service to this great country. And show our deepest gratitude to all those who continue to serve.

"Let us also acknowledge the immeasurable debt we owe military families. Let us honour their sacrifice by working together to build a more peaceful world."

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Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, in a statement:

"We are fortunate to live in a country where people are able to raise their families knowing that their children will live free from violence, oppression, and injustice.

“We owe this to the men and women of the Canadian Forces, past and present. From Vimy, to Juno, to the Suez, to Kandahar, they have been steadfast in their commitment to the Canadian ideals of peace, freedom, and human rights."

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, in a Nov. 8 speech in the House of Commons:

"The Green Party and I are very aware of the huge sacrifice that soldiers must make to defend our Canadian values. We have seen many generations go to war. We can think of their sacrifices, and on days like this—indeed, in weeks like this—we pay homage.

"However, we have, as non-combatants, the very real risk of trespassing the line between remembering and honouring the sacrifice of the fallen and glorifying war. We know that those who have served and those who have been in battle will be the last ones who would ever want us to do that."

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, speaking at Toronto's Queen's Park:

"I would like to extend my gratitude to all of the brave men and women who made such profound sacrifices for this great country. They stood up for what was right, and they honoured us by doing their duty for our country. Now it is our duty to honour them."

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Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, in a statement:

"Nov. 11 is only one day of the year, but the spirit of courage and sacrifice that we honour on this day should and must resonate every day of the year. It is up to each and every one of us to never lose sight of the enormous cost this nation has paid for the freedoms we enjoy and the democracy we so often take for granted.

“As we pause to reflect in silence and give thanks to those who have served, it is also important to remember the hundreds of Canadians who are in harm’s way today, fighting to ensure that freedom and human rights are protected throughout the world.”

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, at the Saskatchewan War Memorial in Regina:

"Today we remember the sacrifice of thousands of men and women from across our province and Canada: citizens who have served nobly and selflessly in conflicts, peacekeeping and reconstruction missions around the world. Remembrance is our willing obligation, an obligation that has spanned two world wars and the Korean War as well as more recent conflicts such as the struggle in Afghanistan."

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark, in a statement:

“For Canadians, November 11 is a solemn day when we honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedom.

"Almost 100 years ago, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the poem, In Flanders Fields. He was struck by the flowers that grew among the countless graves of his friends. It's a reminder of the incredible dedication shown by the men and women of our armed forces, both then and today.

"We honour their memory by preserving what they fought for - peace, freedom, and Canada, a place where differences are settled not with violence, but with discussion and democracy. We will never forget."

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