Member Statement (5 May 2025)

From Hansard (5 May 2025)

 

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, exactly 80 years later, nations from around the world celebrate the beginning of the end to the Second World War. The liberation of Holland by Canadian forces on May the 5th led to the formal unconditional surrender of Germany’s forces on May 8th, 1945.

Mr. Speaker, in a time of international uncertainty and distasteful rhetoric from the leadership of our southern neighbours, it is more important than ever to remember the ties that bind us together. Canadians, including our Indigenous soldiers, Americans, New Zealanders, English, French, Irish, Australian, Indian, and more fought side by side to liberate the democratic world from fascism.

It was only through our combined strength that we overcame the Axis Powers and brought about an era of peace in Europe. And it was only with Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine just a few years ago that the peace in Europe ended.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our constituents and the Government of Saskatchewan, thank you to all those Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Second World War, and thank you to our Second World War veterans who are now so few. You came from across our nation and united as brothers and sisters in arms, against tyranny. We will always remember your sacrifices and honour what you fought for — a united and free Canada. We will remember them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.