Mr. Speaker, this Friday, I will be joining veterans and their families, Canadian Armed Forces members, politicians and volunteers in the community as we launch central Ontario's 2026 poppy campaign at the Barrie Legion. This year's campaign is especially significant, as it marks the Legion's 100th anniversary.
From October 24 to November 11, Canadians will once again wear the poppy to honour those who served our country, those who continue to serve and those who made the ultimate sacrifice as we remember them in this life after they have passed on to the next. As we gather, we do so with heavy hearts following the tragic loss of four members of the Canadian Armed Forces at CFB Wainwright. Our thoughts will be with their families, friends and fellow service members, as well as with those recovering from injuries.
In John 15:13, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one’s friends.” I encourage everyone to wear a poppy, support their local Legion, attend a Remembrance Day ceremony and take a moment to reflect on the rights and freedoms that our men and women in uniform have given us in laying down their lives. Let us commit to defending those rights and freedoms with everything we have.