National Defence

During question period on national defence, the Conservatives raised concerns about instructions issued over the summer telling military chaplains not to reference God in prayers or spiritual reflections, saying this contradicts a unanimous motion the House had passed, and asking the minister to explain the decision and confirm chaplains would not be disciplined for mentioning God. The Liberal minister replied that the Canadian Armed Forces is strengthened by the diversity of its members’ beliefs, that chaplain guidelines are set by the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service and military leadership to support members of all faiths, and that the rules do not ban private faith.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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1 statement

Dane Lloyd, Parkland

Conservative
“The government told military chaplains not to mention God in prayers or reflections. This goes against a motion the House agreed to last year. I want the minister to explain why this was done and promise that chaplains will not be punished for mentioning God.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as Remembrance Day approaches, military chaplains representing many faiths are deeply concerned about government instructions issued over the summer directing them not to reference God in prayer or spiritual reflections. This instruction defies a unanimous motion passed by the House in November 2024 that affirmed the rights of chaplains not to be restricted or punished for referencing God in prayer or reflections. I have raised this issue with the Minister of National Defence. Will he explain why this instruction was issued over the summer and confirm that chaplains will face no consequences for carrying out their sacred duties?

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