Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to bring attention to and salute the great veterans of our merchant navy, the merchant seamen.
This great country of ours, Canada, has always recognized the contribution of our citizens in time of war and has given just compensation for services rendered.
During the war, the merchant navy served under some of the most dangerous conditions and hostile weather. However they have not been fully recognized for their role in the war.
These veterans have not been provided with the status due to them and promised to them. While our country was generous enough to compensate Japanese Canadians who were interned during the war, we have turned our backs on these brave members of the merchant navy. They have even been denied their former part in placing a wreath in remembrance at the National War Memorial this year.
I say: Canada, it is time to provide just rewards to these brave Canadians who risked their lives so we could live ours in freedom.