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Religious Freedom

During Members’ Statements, MP Chak Au raised the topic of religious freedom ahead of Remembrance Day. He said the government has directed military chaplains to avoid references to God in prayers at public ceremonies, and argued that faith has been part of Canada’s history and that prayers bring comfort to soldiers and their families. He called on the government to reverse the decision. No other statements on the topic were recorded.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

1 statement

Chak Au

Conservative
“The government told military chaplains to stop mentioning God in prayers at public events. Faith is an important part of Canada's history, and prayers comfort our soldiers and their families. The government should reverse this decision.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as Remembrance Day approaches, we honour those who sacrifice for our freedom. In the trenches, countless soldiers find hope and courage through their faith in God, yet the Liberal government has directed military chaplains to exclude references to God from prayers at public ceremonies. Faith in God has been a cornerstone of our country since Confederation, with roots in much older traditions. Our charter recognizes the supremacy of God. Our anthem declares, “God keep our land glorious and free”. How can we sing those words, yet bar chaplains from invoking God at our ceremonies? Prayers comfort those who serve and those families who grieve. We must respect people of every faith and those of none. No one should be forced to pray, but there must be room for prayer. The Liberal government should respect the gratitude to God expressed by so many veterans and reverse—

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