A Thank You to Canada's Veterans
In Canada, between November 5 and 11, we honour Veterans Week – a time for us to remember the sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served Canada past and present.
During this time, we have an opportunity to reflect on our veterans and pay tribute to them by wearing a poppy, supporting the Royal Canadian Legion, learning more about their contributions and finding a way to remember them.
Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – one year after signing the Armistice Agreement that ended World War 1. Back then it was called Armistice Day, but in 1931 the federal government passed a bill changing the name to Remembrance Day.
Many of us have a history of family members who have served with the Canadian Armed Forces, with some of our stories dating back generations. It is important to continue sharing these, to keep their memories alive.
Like many Canadians, before and after us, my family’s path to this country was paved by war. I was born in the Netherlands, but we left shortly after the Second World War and came to a nation that has always welcomed refugees fleeing the devastation of far-flung conflict.
My family owes so much to Canada, and to the veterans who helped liberate the Netherlands.
In mid-September 1944, allied forces launched Operation Market-Garden and it would take until May 5, 1945, before liberation was complete. Canadian troops were central to this effort, and more than 7,600 of them died in the effort to free The Netherlands.
How does one pay their respects or say ‘thank you’ to those who paid the ultimate price defending our values and freedom, and protecting those in need? We remember their sacrifice, defend the values for which they fought, and tell their stories so generations will remember those brave men and women.
Let us remember the 7,000 Canadian volunteers who fought in our nation’s first overseas conflict – the South African War (1899-1902). Let us pay tribute to 650,000 men and women from Canada and Newfoundland who fought in the First World War. And honour the 66,000 veterans who died defending freedom. Let us pay our respects to the one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders who defended our values and those of our Allies in the Second World War. And let’s never forget the 45,000 Canadians who died, and the 55,000 wounded.
Let us never forget the 26,000 Canadians who fought in The Korean War, or the loss of life and the wounded Canadians. Let us remember the loss of 1800 Canadian lives since 1947 (not including the Korean War) and the important role of Canadian Armed Forces in peacekeeping missions around the world; the humanitarian work provided to nations in need and here at home.
On November 8th, as part of Veterans Week, we recognize Indigenous Veterans Day. A day to pay tribute to the estimated 12,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people for their long tradition of military service.
As I reflect on Remembrance Day 2024, I will do so with gratitude, respect and love for a nation, and for the brave men and women of Canada’s armed forces. And I will think of my parents and siblings, and a life changed by the courage and sacrifice of so many young Canadians.
Let us continue to make this a time to honour and remember those who have served Canada, in times of war, military conflict, and peace. Let us remember our veterans and the current members of our armed forces and honour the ideals they so courageously defend.
Lest we forget. Nous nous souviendrons.
Veterans Week
From November 5th to 11th, Canadians in Newmarket-Aurora and from coast to coast to coast commemorate Veteran’s Week. This is an opportunity for us to honour the brave Canadians who answered the call of duty and served their country with courage, dedication, and selflessness.
This year’s theme for Veterans Week – Canadian Armed Forces around the world – reflects Canada’s longstanding role in promoting and defending peace and security across the globe.
On November 8th, we mark National Indigenous Veterans’ Day and celebrate the Indigenous Veterans who have helped uphold peace, protect democracy, and defend freedom from here in Canada and around the world. And on November 11th, we join millions of people throughout Canada in honouring Remembrance Day and pay tribute to the Veterans who have risked everything to defend the values we hold dear.
Until November 11th, you can donate to the poppy fund from the Aurora Legion or the Newmarket Legion to show your support. You can do this at Legion tables and Poppy boxes across Canada, which can be found at several businesses and organization. You can also donate by mail or online to the National Poppy Trust Fund. Learn more here.
While we observe a moment of silence and lay wreaths at memorials across the country, we acknowledge the importance of teaching the lessons of history to the next generations. May they carry the torch of remembrance forward so that we can create a brighter world for all. Learn about commemoration events in Newmarket-Aurora here.
Lest we forget. Nous nous souviendrons.
Safer streets. Safer communities.
Organized crime groups and gangs are increasingly recruiting among youth. By investing in prevention, we’re meeting young people where they are so that organized crime groups and gangs can’t get to them in the first place.
Until December 20th, 2024, organizations can apply for funding under the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) for initiatives that aim to stop crime before it occurs by reducing the risk factors for youth. This investment will support community-led crime prevention efforts tailored to at-risk and vulnerable youth, particularly Indigenous and racialized youth, youth involved in violence, and youth with repeat contacts with the criminal justice system.
In addition, an annual $700,000 portion of NCPS funding will be available for projects that focus specifically on preventing bullying and cyber bullying.
By investing to counter crimes and giving every youth the tools to be law abiding and to lead productive lives, we are investing in a safer and more inclusive future for all.
Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027
Last month, our government announced the 2025 to 2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to reduce the number of temporary and permanent residents (PRs) in the short term, in order to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth in the long-term where newcomers and Canadians alike have the resources they need to set them up for success.
This is also the first ever Levels Plan that includes controlled targets for temporary residents (TRs), such as international students and foreign workers
In the next three years, our plan welcomes:
- 395,000 PRs in 2025
- 380,000 PRs in 2026
- 365,000 PRs in 2027
It is important to note that over 40% of new PR admissions are temporary residents who are already in Canada, such as former international students and temporary workers. Research shows that this population have a better track record of success in the long-run.
We will also see reductions to Canada’s temporary population in the next two years:
- 445,901 fewer in 2025
- 445,662 fewer in 2026
- a modest increase of 17,439 more in 2027
These reductions are a result of a series of previously announced changes to existing programs such as the International Student Program, Post-Graduation Work Permit program, and temporary worker programs. This will ensure Canada reaches the target of reducing overall TRs to 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2026.
We have heard from Canadians: they understand that immigration is essential to our country’s long-term economic success and growth; they also expect us to plan for the arrival and integration of newcomers in a sustainable, well-managed way with adequate resources that set them up for success.
