Military rejected Canada Day Afghan tribute, citing concerns of ‘militarization’

OTTAWA – Newly released documents show military planners abandoned a plan to commemorate the Canadian Forces mission in Afghanistan to avoid offending political or public sensibilities.

Military brass ditched plans for a noontime ceremony on Parliament Hill this coming Canada Day that would have commemorated the mission that claimed 158 military lives.

Defence Department briefing notes say all the emphasis on Afghanistan might be “problematic” for the government.

The July 1 option was rejected because “mixed messaging with militarization of Canada Day” and “potential higher security threat” were seen as disadvantages.

The documents, obtained by the Liberal party under the Access to Information Act, describe preparations for a series of war commemorations to help celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.

These include the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the Second World War, and the Afghanistan campaign is high on the priority list.