Motion to half-mast the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower

April 07, 2008

OTTAWA – On April 2nd, the House of Commons passed a motion calling on the Government to half-mast the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower whenever a Canadian serviceman is killed abroad. The Conservative Government, in accordance with the recommendations made by the Government's Advisory Committee on Half-Masting the Canadian flag, and supported by the Royal Canadian Legion, opposed the motion.

“For over eighty years, our national tradition with respect to those who died in the service of our country has been to honour all of them on the same day in a national Remembrance Day ceremony,” said Lauzon.

The national flag is lowered to half-mast on all federal buildings and establishments throughout Canada, including the Peace Tower, from sunrise to sunset on November 11. The Government will continue to uphold this long-held tradition to ensure that the sacrifice of every individual is equally honoured and respected.

“There is no greater loss to a family than that of a loved one and there is no greater loss to the Canadian Forces family than that of one of its own. Their contributions and sacrifices in defence of Canada will never be forgotten. Unlike the previous Liberal administration however, this Government will not play politics on an ad hoc basis concerning fatalities of our forces,” added Lauzon.