Earlier this month, the Liberal government unveiled new changes to the Canadian passport, most notably the removal of cancer research symbol Terry Fox and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, along with other historical depictions. The rationale behind this decision was to allegedly enhancing protection against the fabrication of counterfeit passports.
The Vimy Foundation has expressed disappointment over the Liberals’ decision, particularly as it follows just a month after the 106th anniversary of the historic Battle of Vimy Ridge. This battle, significant to Canadian history, saw over 7,000 Canadians wounded, and the unfortunate loss of 3,598 soldiers.
“The Canadian National Vimy Memorial does not just represent those soldiers who died at Vimy, it also represents Canadian unity and achievement. It represents people who came from many different backgrounds and many cultures in favour of achieving something greater, together,” read a statement from the foundation.
The Vimy Foundation, known for its commitment to educating Canadians about their shared past, deems this decision a loss. “The decision to remove historical events from the passport is a missed opportunity for thoughtful discussion around the importance of history, and the possibilities for a conversation about what Canadians feel are important moments that unite them.”
Being at the forefront of the effort to feature the Canadian National Vimy Memorial on the passport, the Foundation has expressed regret about the monument’s removal. “As one of the leading organisations involved in the advocacy effort to include the Canadian National Vimy Memorial on the passport, we are saddened to learn the monument will no longer be included,” the statement continued.
Official opposition leader Pierre Poilievre didn’t waste time to lambast Liberal leader Justin Trudeau over the removal of the Vimy Memorial from the Canadian passport, calling the prime minister “ungrateful” and “out of touch.”
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