QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Remembrance Day
October 19, 2023
Senator Gold, next month Canadians and veterans will gather on Remembrance Day to honour those who served in war, with particular emphasis on those who made the eternal sacrifice in the defence of freedom for this country. I’m always reminded of John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields.” There are three stanzas in that poem, and the third and most evocative stanza has six lines. The last five lines of stanza three are as follows:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
The Government of Canada that you represent has declared these prayers to be forbidden at Remembrance Day ceremonies. But in the Senate, we start every day with prayers. Why are prayers okay for living senators but not okay for our war dead?
Well, thank you. Once again, I would ask that when senators ask questions, they make sure their factual assumptions are correct. It does dishonour to this chamber and to the veterans.
The answer is simply that there was no banning of prayers. The answer is that it is misrepresenting to say there is no banning of prayers. The directive simply said that, whether it’s prayers or symbols, they be inclusive of diversity, religious and otherwise, in this country. I would ask honourable members, who can hold me to account, as is your right — and it is my duty and privilege to respond — to at least not be misleading in the factual assumptions.
I have one minute to answer, and I am answering you now clearly. I would also like to not be heckled when I am answering previous questions. Thank you, colleagues.
Senator Gold, the first line of that third stanza reads, “Take up our quarrel with the foe . . . .”
Honourable senators, I never thought I’d see the day when the foe would be the Government of Canada. Since you represent the government in this place, can you please tell this chamber if you support this directive of the government, and tell Canadians if you support this directive of the government?
Let me ask senators whether they support the following directive — I’m answering the God — the question. Well, I used a religious term, “God,” and I hope I did not offend those who do not believe.
The directive says that:
. . . chaplains must “endeavour to ensure that all feel included and able to participate in the reflection . . . no matter their beliefs . . . .”
I would be astounded if anyone here objected to that respectful and inclusive directive, given the diversity in this country that we all celebrate.
