Canada day message from the Minister of National Defence

July 1, 2021 - Defence Stories

This Canada Day, I want to take a moment to thank the entire Defence Team for their work over the past year. We have been working hard to help Canadians get through the pandemic. Whether by assisting with vaccinations, supporting communities across the country or around the world, the work you have done and are doing is helping us get through this pandemic. Thank you for everything you do each and every day.

Like many Canadians, Canada Day this year will be different than any previous ones for me and my family. There will be no fireworks and there will be no celebration. Too many of our friends, colleagues and neighbours are grieving right now. I will be spending today reflecting.

Reflecting on the horrors of residential schools. Reflecting on how Indigenous Peoples across the country have known this horror for generations and live with its painful impacts to this day.

On this Canada Day, let us re-affirm our commitment to building a better nation. We need to learn about the history of residential schools, to read and act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings and listen to the voices of Survivors.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has a number of reports. You can read them here. Please use this time to learn about our history and why across the country many people are still grieving and reflect on how we can all dedicate ourselves to the shared journey of reconciliation.

We can build a better Canada together.