QUESTION PERIOD — Veterans Affairs
Remembrance Day
October 23, 2024
Leader, I’m sure you would prefer that I ask Senator Bernard this question rather than you, but I will direct it to you.
A directive was released a year ago which substituted public prayers for the fallen at Remembrance Day ceremonies with “spiritual reflections.” When Canadians rightfully expressed their dismay at this change, it was set aside for a year. We were told that a new directive would be reviewed by a committee.
Since then, the NDP-Liberal government has not given Canadians any information on this matter. I’m sure you’re going to twist this into partisanship.
Leader, what is the status of this directive? Has it been set aside for this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies? Was a committee struck? If so, who were its members and who chose them? Has it completed its work? If so, what did it recommend?
Thank you. I’m going to disappoint you because I don’t consider this a partisan question or one that is demeaning or insulting to members in this chamber, myself excluded.
I will raise this with the minister because I am not in a position to answer. I think it is important that how we commemorate and pay respect in ceremonies and events of this kind is inclusive of the great variety and diversity of religious and spiritual beliefs that make up this country. In that regard, I have every confidence that when the new directive is issued, it will reflect the pluralistic diversity of this country as it has developed.
There is no moral compass, and it is not worth the cost.
In Question Period in February, the Minister of Veterans Affairs offered to provide me further information about this committee. In February, I put a question on the Order Paper. There has still been no answer.
Why is the NDP-Liberal government so secretive about their directive? Are they ashamed of what they’re doing?
The answer is no. However, I don’t know the status of the work on the directive and, as I said, will raise it with the minister.
