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e-6661 (Veterans' affairs)

E-petition
Initiated by Bruce Moncur from Thompson, Manitoba

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • Since 1993, Canada has never awarded its Victoria Cross despite extraordinary valor by Canadian forces during our longest war in Afghanistan;
  • Allied nations awarded their highest honors for Afghanistan service: Britain awarded 3 Victoria Crosses, Australia awarded 4, New Zealand awarded 1, and the United States awarded 18 Medals of Honor, while Canada awarded none;
  • Multiple Canadian Afghanistan veterans demonstrated Victoria Cross-worthy actions, including Private Jess Larochelle who defended his position with a broken back against overwhelming Taliban forces, Warrant Officer William MacDonald who crossed open ground under "a hurricane of metal" to rescue wounded comrades, and Master Corporal Sean Teal who rescued fallen soldiers while under direct enemy fire;
  • Afghanistan veterans feel their sacrifice has been forgotten, despite Canada's significant commitment and casualties; and
  • His cause has gained unprecedented support from distinguished Canadians including General Roméo Dallaire, General Lewis MacKenzie, Minister Bill Blair, MP Erin O'Toole, and endorsements from 100+ military associations, multiple cities, and four Canadian brigade commanders who led battle groups during the Afghanistan war.
We, the undersigned, Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to establish an Independent Military Honours Review Board to review Afghanistan veterans' cases where evidence suggests Victoria Cross criteria were met.
1) Begin immediately with Private Jess Larochelle's case whose October 14, 2006 actions clearly demonstrate "most conspicuous bravery".
2) Include review of other compelling Afghanistan cases and address other historical cases.
Open for signature
July 23, 2025, at 11:31 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
November 20, 2025, at 11:31 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Pauline Rochefort (Nipissing—Timiskaming)
April 15, 2026 (Petition No. 451-00791)
Photo - Pauline Rochefort
Nipissing—Timiskaming
Liberal Caucus
Ontario