As Canadians, we take time on November 11 to pause, reflect, and honour our veterans. We wear poppies, attend ceremonies, and observe moments of silence. But this recognition should extend beyond one day a year. Our veterans served to protect our way of life, and their sacrifices should be respected every single day, not just on Remembrance Day.
A recent survey in the National Post showed that most Canadians plan to wear a poppy and take part in Remembrance Day observances. However, it also revealed significant differences across the country. In Quebec, a larger portion of residents say they will not be observing Remembrance Day at all. In fact, 40 percent of Quebecers said they wouldn’t participate, more than triple the percentage in other provinces. This is not a new trend. The relationship between Quebec and the Canadian Armed Forces has been complicated, stemming from historical events such as Quebec’s strong opposition to conscription during the Second World War.
In other parts of Canada, the observance of Remembrance Day is more widely embraced, but the survey also highlighted an important issue. It’s not just about attending ceremonies or wearing a poppy. A majority of Canadians believe that our government does not take enough pride in our military, and even more concerning, they feel that we are not doing enough to support our veterans. About 53 percent of Canadians say that the country fails its veterans, offering too little assistance and care for those who have served.
These statistics reflect a sad reality. Veterans who have given everything for our nation often face immense challenges when they return home. Many struggle to adjust to civilian life. Too many end up homeless, without the support they need to transition back into society. It’s estimated that between 2,400 and 10,000 veterans are homeless in Canada today, a shocking figure that shows how we have fallen short in our duty to care for those who once stood on guard for us.
In my own work with the Homes for Heroes Foundation, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of this neglect. The foundation was created to address the growing crisis of homelessness among veterans. Homes for Heroes builds small communities where veterans can live in dignity and receive the services they need to get back on their feet. These villages are not just a place to live—they offer veterans a pathway to rebuild their lives, access resources, and reintegrate into society.
Our plan to build a Homes for Heroes village in Winnipeg is about more than providing housing. It’s about showing our veterans that we remember them every day of the year, not just on November 11. It’s about giving them the respect and support they deserve for their service and sacrifice. This project is deeply personal to me because I believe we owe our veterans more than words. We owe them action. We owe them a place where they can heal and start over, knowing they are valued and remembered.
But we cannot do this alone. We need the support of our community. I am asking for your help. Your company could sponsor a home for a veteran, donate to the common spaces like the garden or the community room, or contribute in other ways. Every bit helps. Together, we can provide a place of hope and healing for those who gave so much for us. Please visit www.h4hf.ca or contact me directly at Kevin@h4hf.ca to learn how you can get involved.
The poll also found that many Canadians, especially younger people, may not feel the same connection to our military as older generations do. This is understandable. The memories of past wars fade with time, and our country’s role in global conflicts has changed. But we must not let that connection disappear. The sacrifices of our veterans are the reason we enjoy the freedoms we have today. Whether they served in World War II, Korea, Afghanistan, or on peacekeeping missions, each veteran played a role in defending our way of life.
We must make sure that the stories of our veterans are told and that their service is honoured. We need to teach our young people about the true cost of the freedoms they enjoy. It’s not enough to wear a poppy for a few weeks in November. It’s about building a society that values and cares for its veterans every day of the year.
It’s also worth noting that our veterans are not just older men who fought in wars long ago. Many are young, returning from recent conflicts, and facing struggles we don’t always see. They may carry invisible scars—trauma, anxiety, depression—that make it hard to adjust to civilian life. We need to be there for them, offering understanding, support, and real solutions.
The majority of Canadians agree that we could do more to support our veterans. This is a call to action. We cannot continue to leave these brave men and women behind. We need to show them the same commitment and care that they showed us when they volunteered to serve. This Remembrance Day, as we take a moment to honour our veterans, let’s also commit to remembering them the other 364 days of the year.
The Homes for Heroes village is just one way we can show our veterans that we care. By providing them with a place to live, access to services, and a supportive community, we can help them rebuild their lives. It’s a small but significant way to say thank you for their service. Please join me in this effort. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who served. Visit www.h4hf.ca to see how you can help. Let’s make sure that our veterans know they are remembered and respected every day, not just on Remembrance Day.
Comments