Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Every year we take a day to remember our veterans—Remembrance Day. We might remember them on the anniversary of a conflict or a battle, but we don't do enough to recognize our veterans' sacrifices.
After what we saw this weekend with the disturbing and deeply disrespectful actions at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at the National War Memorial, it is appropriate that today we talk about how we can recognize the valour and sacrifice of our veterans now.
Other countries have recognized this and have reviewed the citations given to veterans who ought to be appropriately recognized for their valour, but here in Canada we have not done that appropriately. As a result, Canada has not awarded a single Victoria Cross since it took it over in 1993, and in fact, no Canadian has been awarded a VC since 1945. This must change.
There is an unprecedented grassroots movement bringing together the veteran community, including well-respected organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, members of the military community, municipalities and grassroots Canadians. Together they are calling for Private Jess Larochelle's citation to be reviewed and to award him the Victoria Cross that he deserves.
In September 2021 you, Mr. Minister, indicated that you recognize Jess Larochelle's sacrifice and support initiatives from the military community “to make sure that every veteran receives the service and remuneration they deserve.”
With that, will you bring forward to your government colleagues and the Minister of Defence the message of tens of thousands of Canadians, and what I would hope would be the unanimous support of this committee, to recognize the valour of Jess Larochelle by awarding him the Victoria Cross, and in doing so recognizing the valour and sacrifice of our veterans and those who have served our country throughout our history?