Every year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. Known as Remembrance Day, this solemn occasion honours the sacrifices made by those who defended freedom and peace, often at great personal cost.

Origins of Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day has its roots in the end of the First World War. On November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., the guns fell silent across Europe as the Armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, marking the end of four years of devastating conflict. More than 66,000 Canadians lost their lives during that war, and over 170,000 were wounded.

In 1919, the first Armistice Day was observed across the British Commonwealth to commemorate that moment of peace. In Canada, the day originally honoured those who fought in the First World War, but over time it expanded to recognize veterans of the Second World War, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and Canada’s peacekeeping missions around the world.

In 1931, the Canadian Parliament officially renamed the occasion Remembrance Day and fixed the date permanently on November 11.

Symbols of Remembrance

Perhaps the most recognized symbol of Remembrance Day is the red poppy. The poppy became a symbol of remembrance after the publication of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 after he witnessed the devastation of war in Belgium.

The poem’s imagery of poppies growing among soldiers’ graves inspired the Royal Canadian Legion to adopt the flower as a symbol of remembrance. Each year, millions of Canadians wear a poppy in the days leading up to November 11 as a sign of respect and gratitude.

How Canadians Observe Remembrance Day

Across the country, Remembrance Day ceremonies are held in communities, schools, and workplaces. The most notable is the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, attended by veterans, active service members, government officials, and the public.

At 11 a.m., Canadians observe two minutes of silence—a moment to reflect on the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. The Last Post is played, wreaths are laid, and the refrain “Lest We Forget” echoes across the nation.

Why It Matters Today

Remembrance Day is more than a history lesson—it’s a call to remember the human cost of war and the enduring value of peace. It encourages Canadians to honour not only those who served in past conflicts but also those who continue to protect and serve today.

In remembering, we commit ourselves to the lessons of the past and to building a world where such sacrifices are never again required.

Lest We Forget

As time passes and living memories of the world wars fade, the importance of remembrance only grows. November 11 is not just about history—it’s about gratitude, reflection, and responsibility. It reminds us that freedom is not free, and that the peace we enjoy today was built by the bravery and sacrifice of those who came before.

Lest we forget.

In a September 23 address to business leaders in Saskatchewan, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem delivered a candid assessment of Canada’s trade strategy, arguing the country has waited too long to reduce its economic reliance on the United States. He noted that while calls for diversification followed the 2008–09 financial crisis, meaningful progress stalled — and Canada is now facing the consequences.

Global Shifts Demand Urgent Action

Macklem emphasized that rising protectionism, disrupted supply chains, and shifting global trade dynamics make diversification more urgent than ever. Without decisive action, he warned, Canada risks falling behind in its ability to withstand economic shocks and sustain long-term growth.

Tariffs and Export Declines Highlight Vulnerability

Recent U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and softwood lumber have exposed Canada’s trade fragility. Macklem also pointed to China’s restrictions on Canadian canola, which have hit Saskatchewan particularly hard. In Q2 2025, Canadian exports dropped sharply, contributing to a decline in real GDP and early signs of labour market weakness — all underscoring Canada’s deep exposure to U.S. demand.

Even when trade agreements soften the impact of tariffs, Macklem noted, the broader effect of protectionist sentiment has already disrupted trade flows and investor confidence.

Structural Barriers to Diversification

While the U.S. will remain Canada’s primary trading partner, Macklem stressed that expanding trade beyond it requires more than signing new deals. Internal hurdles — including interprovincial trade barriers, inconsistent regulations, infrastructure bottlenecks, and slow approval processes — continue to limit Canada’s ability to capitalize on its agreements with over 50 other countries.

He called for targeted reforms: improving east-west transportation corridors, expanding port capacity, harmonizing provincial rules (especially around professional credentials), and streamlining regulatory approvals.

Canada’s Trade Exposure by the Numbers

• Canada ranks among the most U.S.-dependent economies in the OECD.
• Key exports include energy, vehicles, machinery, metals, and forestry products.
• Trade shocks from tariffs and supply-chain disruptions have repeatedly exposed the risks of overreliance.
• Currency fluctuations and U.S. policy shifts continue to shape Canada’s economic trajectory.

Policy Response and the Road Ahead

The federal government has launched a multi-billion dollar initiative to help Canadian firms enter new markets and mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs. But Macklem made clear that monetary policy alone won’t fix the structural vulnerabilities. Interest rate cuts may cushion short-term pain, but long-term resilience depends on deeper reforms.

“We should have been making these changes 15 years ago,” Macklem said. “But the next best time is now.”

Side-by-side: export diversification — Canada vs. three peers

The Liberal government’s proposed legislation, Bill C-2 — formally titled An Act Respecting Certain Measures Relating to the Security of the Border — is drawing sharp criticism from opposition MPs and civil liberties groups. At the heart of the controversy are provisions that would allow inspectors to open suspicious mail and examine outgoing containers without a warrant.

Points of Contention

• The bill seeks to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act, expanding the authority of inspectors to open flagged mail and inspect packages deemed potentially dangerous.
• Opponents argue the move infringes on privacy rights and may violate protections against unreasonable search under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• Conservative MPs have condemned the proposal as overly broad, calling it an “assault on all Canadians” and demanding that such powers be subject to judicial oversight.

Government’s Position

• Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has defended the legislation, citing national security concerns and the need to intercept illegal goods before they cross borders.
• Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux dismissed the backlash as “fearmongering,” suggesting critics are overstating the bill’s implications.

Context and Justification

• Under current law, mail cannot be opened without judicial authorization.
• Advocates for stronger postal and border security point to rising incidents of drug trafficking through mail, particularly affecting First Nations and northern communities. A 2022 Canada Post report highlighted that a significant portion of intercepted illicit substances were bound for these regions.

What’s at Stake

• If enacted, Bill C-2 would recalibrate the balance between privacy and security, granting broader inspection powers with reduced oversight.
• The debate touches on fundamental questions about government authority, citizen rights, and the acceptable limits of surveillance in the name of public safety.

What Legal Experts and Civil Liberties Advocates Are Saying

Charter Concerns: Section 8 in Focus

Legal analysts widely agree that Bill C-2’s provisions likely engage Section 8 of the Charter, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure. Expanding powers to open mail — including personal letters — and access data from service providers without a warrant is seen as a direct challenge to Canadians’ reasonable expectation of privacy.

Risk of Judicial Rejection

Privacy scholars warn that the bill’s language is overly broad and lacks sufficient safeguards. By lowering the threshold for searches and granting vague, discretionary powers, the legislation may fail the Section 1 test — which requires that Charter violations be minimally impairing and clearly justified. Several experts argue the bill’s wording could enable routine warrantless intrusions, increasing the likelihood of it being struck down in court.

Legal Precedents Signal Trouble

Recent case law has shown courts becoming less tolerant of warrantless searches, especially involving digital devices and personal data. Legal commentators point to these rulings as evidence that judges will scrutinize Bill C-2 closely and may invalidate parts of it if adequate safeguards are not in place.

Surveillance Ecosystem Expansion

Civil liberties organizations — including Citizen Lab, OpenMedia, and other advocacy groups — argue that the bill goes beyond mail inspection. They warn that Part 14 and related sections could establish legal pathways for the government to demand data from private entities without judicial oversight, effectively expanding state surveillance powers beyond traditional Section 8 limits.

Government’s Justification

The federal government maintains that the proposed powers are essential for national security and border enforcement, particularly in combatting organized crime and fentanyl trafficking. Officials emphasize that the bill includes oversight mechanisms and procedural limits. However, legal experts caution that any Charter challenge will hinge on whether those safeguards are sufficiently robust and clearly defined.

How Courts Are Likely to Assess Bill C-2

Section 8 — Reasonable Expectation of Privacy Courts will first ask whether the item being searched — such as letters, packages, or digital records — carries a reasonable expectation of privacy. If so, any search must be legally authorized and conducted in a reasonable manner.

Section 1 — Justification of Infringement If a Section 8 breach is found, the government must justify it under Section 1 of the Charter. This involves proving a pressing and substantial objective, and passing the proportionality test: a rational connection to the goal, minimal impairment of rights, and a balance between benefits and harms. Legal experts are skeptical that Bill C-2, as currently drafted, meets the minimal impairment and proportionality standards for its broadest powers.

Legal and Political Fallout of Bill C-2

Charter Challenge Expected

Legal experts and civil liberties organizations anticipate that Bill C-2 will face a constitutional challenge if enacted. The bill’s warrantless search provisions are likely to trigger litigation under Section 8 of the Charter, with privacy advocates preparing to contest its legality.

Partial Invalidation Likely

Commentators suggest that courts may strike down or sever the bill’s broadest powers while preserving narrower, well-defined provisions. If certain elements are found to lack sufficient safeguards, judges could invalidate them while allowing more targeted border-security measures to stand.

Pressure for Legislative Amendments

Political and regulatory scrutiny is expected to intensify. Observers foresee Parliamentary debate and calls for amendments that introduce clearer thresholds, independent oversight, mandatory reporting, and judicial authorization in sensitive cases. These changes may be necessary to ensure the bill withstands legal review and public scrutiny.

Crown Corporations Hand Out $190 Million in Bonuses Amid Fiscal Scrutiny

Newly released government records reveal that Canada’s Crown corporations awarded more than $190 million in bonuses to executives and staff during the 2024–25 fiscal year.

Notable Payouts:

• The Business Development Bank of Canada topped the list, distributing over $60 million in bonuses. Reports indicate that every executive received a payout, averaging $216,000 each.
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) followed with approximately $30.6 million in bonuses. Nearly 99% of executives were recipients, with average bonuses around $42,900.
• Despite posting $385 million in operating losses, VIA Rail paid out $11 million in executive bonuses.
• The Canada Infrastructure Bank issued $8.6 million in bonuses, with 83% of executives receiving an average of $197,000.

Other Crown entities, including Canada Post and the National Capital Commission, declined to share bonus figures, stating they had “nothing to report”.

Between 2015 and 2023, federal departments and agencies collectively distributed over $1.5 billion in bonuses — often despite falling short of performance targets.

Critics argue that these payouts place an undue burden on taxpayers, especially as Canada’s national debt continues to climb. Franco Terrazzano of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation criticized the practice, saying bonuses “shouldn’t be handed out like participation trophies” and called for an end to rewarding underperformance with public funds.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has instructed Crown corporations to identify spending reductions of up to 15% by 2028, prompting calls for bonus programs to be among the first areas considered for cuts.