Senator Gold, for too long the Korean War had been called the forgotten war, but thanks to the efforts of the late Greg Thompson, former Minister of Veterans Affairs, in 2008, he was able to bring our veterans into the eligibility criteria to receive benefits alongside World War I and World War II veterans. In 2013, we enacted the Korean War Veterans Day Act.

The Korean War is forgotten no more, yet given the fact that the Korean War was Canada’s third-bloodiest war and that this year is the start of the historic seventy-fifth anniversary of the Korean War, why was there no mention of the Korean War in the recent Speech from the Throne? Will the Prime Minister correct this serious omission and apologize to our veterans for forgetting them in the Throne Speech?

Thank you. This government, this chamber and, I think, all Canadians are grateful to all of those who served, fought and sacrificed themselves in the wars that we fought to defend freedom and justice abroad. Indeed, this is not the forgotten war.

The Throne Speech sets out the government priorities for action looking forward. This was a Throne Speech of a new government, and I can assure this chamber that any omissions in that Throne Speech, whether in recognition of the honour of those who served and sacrificed themselves in the Korean War or many other things, did not reflect ignorance of or indifference to the heroic sacrifices that our fellow Canadians made.

Honouring our veterans requires more than words, but those words are important. It demands meaningful action and a steadfast commitment. As the number of Korean War veterans continues to diminish with each passing year, it becomes even more urgent that we act now.

What concrete steps will the government take to ensure the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Korean War is properly recognized and the veterans’ legacy is preserved through national commemorations, education and support for their well-being?

Thank you, senator, for your question.

I will certainly raise this with the minister, and I will encourage the minister to work — as I expect that the ministers would — with members of the Korean diaspora community in our country. Also, I invite you to talk to me here if you would be willing to be of help in that matter.