The best week ever

I had the best week ever. The boys were home for reading week, and we were all together. The house was messy, it was loud, and I loved every second of it.

We played games, I cooked their favourite meals, and we celebrated Keiran’s birthday on November 10 - he turned 26.

Honestly, there was nothing I wanted more than to stay home, yet I made time to attend the Remembrance Day services at the Bellevue Legion to lay the Government of Canada wreath on behalf of our MP John Barlow. After visiting the war memorials in Belgium, Remembrance Day has a whole new meaning to me.

The Bellevue Legion’s ceremonies are always profoundly moving. Their dedication to honouring the fallen soldiers from our community never fails to bring a lump to my throat. 

Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. This revered day in Canada was caught up in controversy this week

In Ottawa, a school played an Arabic song tied to the Gaza conflict during its Remembrance Day service, sparking outrage among veterans and many Canadians. 

Some groups have attempted to alter the iconic red poppy to reflect various social causes, diluting its singular message of remembrance and sacrifice. 

Remembrance Day is not the place for political statements or cultural commentary unrelated to the sacrifice of our armed forces. It is a day for unity, respect, and solemn reflection. As one veteran put it, “When it gets mixed and distorted with other conflicts or causes… you lose the message, you lose the focus of our sacrifice.”

Another troubling incident occurred in Halifax, where a school initially discouraged the wearing of military uniforms at its Remembrance Day event to ensure a “welcoming environment for all.” Although the decision was swiftly reversed, it exposed a troubling gap in understanding about what the military represents. Military uniforms are not symbols of aggression or exclusion.

This disconnect reflects a broader issue: Canada’s diminishing connection to its armed forces. Once a proud cornerstone of our national identity, the Canadian military has suffered years of neglect. As Donald Trump assumes the United States presidency again, his likely demands for NATO allies to meet their commitments will further highlight Canada’s deficiencies.

Our reliance on the United States for continental defence, particularly in the strategically critical Arctic, leaves us exposed. With Russia and China increasingly interested in the Arctic as a trade route and resource hub, Canada’s lack of investment in sovereignty and military readiness is alarming.

Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada made strides in military funding and modernization. Harper prioritized defence spending and ensured Canada could stand alongside its allies with pride. Since then, military investment has waned, leaving us ill-equipped to face emerging challenges.

Under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada’s military has faced underfunding, failing to meet NATO’s two percent GDP target. Aging equipment like CF-18 jets and naval vessels suffer delays in replacement. Recruitment and retention issues persist, with personnel shortages and low morale. 

It is time for Canada to restore its military strength—not for aggression, but for protection and peace. To truly honour our veterans, we must ensure their sacrifices were not in vain by safeguarding the freedoms they fought to protect.

Remembrance Day must remain sacred, free from political or cultural appropriation. Let us reflect on the values that define Canada, honour the sacrifices of our armed forces, and recommit to a future of strength, security, and pride. It’s time to stand tall as Canadians and remember what it truly means to be one.

Thank you Bellevue Legion for doing an excellent job giving homage to those who sacrificed everything so that we can all be free.