Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on Indigenous Veterans Day:
“As Canadians prepare to mark Remembrance Day, we reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by the men and women who served. Since the very beginning, Indigenous Peoples have put their lives on the line for Canada – even when their own government was unwilling to stand up for them.
“Today is a chance to honour these Indigenous heroes. Brave Canadians like Alexander George Edwin Smith, who was decorated for his actions at the Somme. Or Willard Bolduc, who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his missions over Germany in the Second World War.
“Their legacy, and that of other Indigenous sailors, soldiers and aviators, is a powerful one. Just around the corner from Parliament, the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument declares that ‘we who would follow in their path are humbled by the magnitude of their sacrifice and inspired by the depths of their resolve.’
“As we pause to honour Indigenous veterans, may their selflessness and patriotism inspire us to build a better Canada for all.”