The Conservative Party is blasting the NDP-Liberal government for allegedly banning military chaplains from reciting prayers on Remembrance Day.
In a Friday press release, the party criticized Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, for promising last year that chaplains were not banned from prayer on Remembrance Day or any other day.
“But Canadians now know that the NDP-Liberal government lied,” said the party. “Instead, they just gave a one-time exemption. This means that prayers will be banned on the Remembrance Day ceremonies on Monday with the Trudeau Government reminding chaplains that no exemptions have been granted this year.”
The Conservatives highlighted that the Liberals’ directive removed the mention of the word “prayer,” replacing it with “spiritual reflection.” The directive added that chaplains should “employ a language mindful of the Gender-Based Analysis principles.” Should chaplains ignore this directive, they could face disciplinary measures.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre reiterated that chaplains were banned from praying at Remembrance Day ceremonies.
“Canadians should be free to practice their faith alongside fellow Canadians as we commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifices for our freedoms,” he said.
The Department of National Defence spokesperson told True North the opposite.
“CAF chaplains were not — and will not be — banned from prayer on Remembrance Day, or at any other time. The Chaplain General’s 2023 directive seeks to ensure that public addresses reflect the spiritual and religious diversity of Canadians,” said the spokesperson.
They added that, irrespective of faith, what remains most important on Remembrance Day is focusing on honouring the sacrifice of those who served before them and gave their lives.
The spokesperson said that the directive is still in place.
The directive states that a chaplain’s reflection at a public military gathering shall be inclusive and respectful of Canada’s religious and spiritual diversity.
“The reflection must ensure that attendees are reasonably able to identify with the words being uttered. Chaplains shall endeavour to ensure that all feel included and able to participate in the reflection with a clear conscience, no matter their beliefs (religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist),” reads the directive.
The spokesperson said that the Canadian Armed Forces’ chaplains “prioritize cultivating inclusive environments where all feel welcome at ceremonies and events at which they offer chaplaincy participation.”
“In such public ceremonies, chaplains will use language that engages and includes all who are present, refraining from language that restricts their remarks to any particular or perceived spiritual or faith tradition. This is to ensure that all feel included and able to participate in reflection no matter their beliefs,” said the spokesperson.
They added that chaplains shall avoid any “faith-specific” or “exclusive” language at Remembrance Day ceremonies because the faith of participants is unknown and likely to include atheists.
“Instead, chaplains shall speak words that will help participants remember those who have offered their lives in the service of Canada or otherwise reflect the intent of the gathered assembly,” said the spokesperson.
The Conservative Party said that before the Liberals banned prayers, chaplains were allowed to recite prayers with faith-specific language during official gatherings, and invited those of other beliefs to pray in any manner that they saw fit.
“During World War II, chaplains led prayer on the boats on the eve of the D-Day landings. Chaplains have provided last rites to dying soldiers in the field. The Prime Minister is now telling Canadians that, on Remembrance Day, they cannot even pray for those who fought for our country. All Canadians should be alarmed by this latest NDP-Liberal government intrusion,” said the Conservatives.
The spokesperson for the Department of National Defence told True North that the department values the work of military chaplains and will continue working to build a diverse and inclusive military that “attracts and retains talented people.”
Canada’s military has struggled with recruitment, following the Liberals’ plan to boost recruitment by promoting diversity over merit and lowering entry standards.
Despite implementing more woke policies, only 5,242 Canadians enlisted in the Armed Forces in 2022, a 35% decrease from 8,069 in 2021.
The decrease follows the Minister of National Defence announcing that permanent residents could apply and enrol in the military in 2022.Between Nov. 1, 2022, and Nov. 24, 2023, 21,472 permanent residents applied to the Canadian Armed Forces. Only 77 were accepted.