Statement by New Democrat leader Nycole Turmel on Remembrance Day

New Democrats join with all Canadians today in paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country with honour. In World Wars, Korea, Afghanistan and in peacekeeping missions around the globe, their commitment and dedication to a better world is second to none.

Today we grieve for the fallen—the sons and daughters who never came home—and we pray for the safe return of our soldiers still overseas. We also thank the families whose shared sacrifice has given our country so much.

In communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast, we speak the names of the 100,000 Canadians who have given their lives for our country. We remember their names and their stories so that we may never forget their sacrifice.

But remembering alone is not enough.

Today, tomorrow and all year long, we have a duty to salute the fallen by standing up for the living—through proper home care, fair pensions without clawbacks and support that heals the terrible wounds of war.

So let us ensure that every veteran is taken care of—in service and in retirement. Let us promote the values of peace and justice, for which our soldiers have given so much. And let us continue the fight to make our country, and our world, a better place for future generations.

Lest we forget.

Nycole Turmel
Leader of Canada’s NDP