“Canada has never awarded its highest military medal, the Victoria Cross, since creating it in 1993. People in my riding want an independent review of military medals from the war in Afghanistan. How will the government make sure our brave veterans are honoured fairly?”

“Mr. Speaker, the Victoria Cross is the highest military honour Canada awards for acts of extraordinary valour. It was created in 1993, yet has never been awarded. Constituents in my riding are calling for an independent review of military decorations from the Afghanistan mission. The time for action is now. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence inform this House how the government is committed to a fair and transparent process to honour the valour of our veterans?”

“We will set up an independent board to review medals for Afghanistan veterans. It will look at new evidence to see if any veterans should receive the Victoria Cross.”

“Mr. Speaker, honouring bravery and sacrifice in service to Canada is among our government’s most solemn responsibilities. We are profoundly grateful to all those who have served and who continue to serve our country. Military honours, including Canada’s Victoria Cross, are subject to a thorough and rigorous review process by the Canadian Armed Forces. I can confirm that the government agrees to the establishment of an independent military honours review board to review Afghanistan veteran cases where new evidence may suggest that the criteria for the Victoria Cross may have been met. I look forward to providing further updates to this House in due course.”