QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Veterans Affairs
National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan
February 15, 2024
Minister, in 2014, former Prime Minister Harper promised to have a monument erected to pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of Canadians in helping rebuild Afghanistan. Following a juried competition, Team Daoust’s design was selected. The jury’s decision was later overruled by the federal government. This decision was justified by responses from veterans and the general public through an anonymous online survey. However, the jury had consulted these survey results and remained firm that Team Daoust’s submission was the best option. This sets a dangerous precedent on surveys being the most reliable instruments. For example, 35% of the respondents were from Ontario and only 2% were from Saskatchewan.
Minister, how does this government justify breaking its own government procurement rules?
Again, thank you so much for that question. With respect to ensuring that we erect a monument in commemoration of our Afghanistan veterans, it is an absolute priority and the work is under way.
As you’ve indicated, Veterans Affairs Canada had conducted a questionnaire or survey, which was sent out through the My VAC Account to make sure that veterans and their family members would be aware of it.
To our great surprise, more than 12,000 Canadians responded to the survey. Most were veterans themselves or family members.
Through the survey or questionnaire, it was very clear that the large majority of veterans themselves had selected the Stimson monument because they felt it better represented the sacrifice, the loss of the veterans in question.
Veterans Affairs Canada at the time made the decision to listen to veterans and moved forward with the Stimson monument.
At the end of the day, we are erecting this monument, and we want it to be meaningful to those who served. That is why we made the decision to respect the wishes of the veterans.
Minister, Canada’s combat role in Afghanistan ended in 2011. The last of our service members left in 2014. Why is it taking so long for a monument to be erected to honour our veterans from Afghanistan? We are in 2024 now.
It’s a very good question and a valid question. We have to keep in mind that, back in 2014, a site had been chosen for the Afghan monument. The veterans of the day were very dissatisfied with the chosen location. The veterans at the time had indicated that the chosen site would flood in the springtime and would probably not be accessible in the wintertime.
When we formed government, the first thing we did was choose another site. From there, the consultation process began for choosing the concept. We are hoping that within the very near future, we will see the construction of that monument. As you’ve indicated, it’s been a long time. We certainly want to do all we can to commemorate those who lost their lives and to thank the men and women who served within that mission.
Thank you, minister.
Honourable senators, the time for Question Period has expired.
I am certain you will want to join me in thanking Minister Petitpas Taylor for joining us today.
We will now resume the proceedings that were interrupted at the beginning of Question Period.
