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Petition e-7854 Open for signature

Asks the federal government to ensure Canadian Armed Forces policies allow historically based prayers and religious observances at Remembrance Day ceremonies, including denominational and regimental prayers, with participation voluntary.

Asks the federal government to ensure Canadian Armed Forces policies allow historically based prayers and religious observances at Remembrance Day ceremonies, including denominational and regimental prayers, with participation voluntary.

Identity

Sponsored by Rosemarie Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster—Meadow Lake) · Conservative

What it means for you

Remembrance Day ceremonies held by the military could include traditional prayers and religious services, and individuals would be free to take part or not.

104 signatures +85 past week

Recent daily signatures

Sign by March 2, 2027
The full petition text

Prayer, chaplaincy and religious services were part of Canadian service members' lived experience in both World Wars;

Remembrance Day exists to remember those who served, including their traditions and beliefs;

Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes prayers and sacred traditions within commemorative ceremonies that "pass on the traditions of remembrance";

King George VI called his people to prayer for the forces liberating Europe on D-Day, 6 June 1944, and to thanksgiving to God and remembrance of the fallen on VE Day, 8 May 1945;

During the Second World War, Father Michael Dalton served as Roman Catholic chaplain to the brigade that included the Essex Scottish, celebrating Mass and providing confession, prayer and pastoral care to its soldiers;

Major Frederick Tilston, VC, as Essex Scottish adjutant, documented working with its padres to assist with burials;

The Royal Canadian Dragoons, whose Colonel-in-Chief is King Charles III, preserve Regimental Prayers and a Christian Regimental Hymn, and in 2022 their chaplain read the Regimental Prayer commemorating their 1945 liberation of Leeuwarden;

Historically documented regimental prayers, religious services and traditions of remembrance form part of Canada's cultural, historical and military heritage; and

Preserving that heritage does not require any person to profess a religion or participate in prayer.

We, the undersigned,citizens and residents of Canada, call upon theGovernment of Canadato ensure that Canadian Armed Forces policies permit historically appropriate prayers and religious observances at Remembrance Day ceremonies, including denominational and regimental prayers associated with Canada's military history, with participation entirely voluntary.

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