Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today issued the following statement on Canadian Armed Forces Day:
“Today, we pay tribute to the courageous members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who protect Canada’s values and defend Canadians at home and abroad.
“In humanitarian missions as well as in peacekeeping or defense operations, the Canadian Armed Forces play a crucial role in defending peace and stability in the country. When wildfires and floods ravage our communities, members of our Armed Forces evacuate victims, support first responders and help families find shelter. As Canada’s Arctic faces a growing threat, our Armed Forces stand guard to protect our northern approaches and the continent, notably through NORAD.
“Furthermore, the Canadian Armed Forces tirelessly defend democracy and the rules-based international order around the world. As Russia continues its brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, members of our Armed Forces are providing military assistance to Ukraine through Operation UNIFIER. As part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s largest active military mission abroad, we remain committed to maintaining long-term security in Central and Eastern Europe. In support of NATO’s deterrence measures in the region, we have strengthened our Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup by increasing the number of Canadian troops on the ground and enhancing their capabilities.
“It is thanks to the work we do today that we will be able to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This is why we launched Our North, strong and free, which provides for transformative investments in modern defense capabilities. Whether it is responding to the consequences of climate change, including in the Arctic, consolidating our presence within NATO or modernizing our defense capabilities, the objective of this renewed policy is to provide members of the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools they need to protect Canadians and maintain the rules-based international order.
“Members of the Canadian Armed Forces serve our country with courage and enormous sacrifice. It is a debt we will never be able to repay. However, we can do the right thing by honoring active duty service members and veterans for their dedicated service and sacrifices. As part of Budget 2024, we are injecting more resources into the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund, through initiatives including improving mental health support and helping veterans in situations of homeless people to find housing. The budget also provides for the expansion of the Telemedicine Service pilot project for families of veterans. This way, we ensure that our veterans and their families receive quality care, when they need it.
“Today and every day, we celebrate the resilience and bravery of past and present members of our Canadian Armed Forces. To ensure the freedom we enjoy, they protect democracy, uphold the rules-based international order, and defend peace. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank you, your family and loved ones, for your service and sacrifices. »
