The following statement was issued today by Tom Marshall, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to rise this afternoon to inform my honourable colleagues that the Government of Canada has declared 2005 the Year of the Veteran, a year to celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of our Canadian war veterans. As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we are proud to support this tribute.

Throughout 2005, Canadians will recognize and pay tribute to all Canadian war veterans who participated on the home front and overseas during times of conflict. Newfoundland and Labrador has a proud history and devotion to honoring our veterans and 2005 marks a commemorative year to promote an understanding of the significance of our veterans' achievements and sacrifice.

In support of the Year of the Veteran, this afternoon I had the honour and privilege to participate in a tree-planting ceremony on the grounds of Confederation Building. I was joined by honoured representatives and distinguished officials who are here with us in the House of Assembly this afternoon.

This year Canadians will participate in events to recognize a century of sacrifice. Throughout the province, veterans' organizations are planning commemorative celebrations in support of the Year of the Veteran. Other significant dates for veterans include: the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic on May 1, the anniversary of Beaumont Hamel on July 1, the 60th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific on August 12, and Remembrance Day on November 11.

2005 marks the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War. It is fitting that today I also make reference to the date of May 8 which marks V-E Day, the celebration of the end of the Second World War in Europe, in Canada and the Netherlands. In World War II, a million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Canadian Armed Forces, in Allied forces or in the merchant navy. More than 47,000 gave their lives. Veterans Affairs Canada estimates that there are about 250,000 Canadian veterans from World War II, 30,000 of whom are women.

It is also appropriate to acknowledge that 2005 marks the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I. Newfoundlanders made a significant contribution to the campaign, forged a strong bond and fought side-by-side with citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, France and India. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment was the only North American regiment involved in the campaign; 124 members of the Regiment died or were wounded in the Gallipoli campaign.

Yesterday, my honourable colleague the member for Trinity North introduced a motion asking for the support of citizens of the province to seek out veterans and thank them for their contributions they have made preserving democracy, restoring peace to the world, and to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. I invite all members of this honourable house to wear the year of the veteran pin on their lapels, and join with me in remembering the tremendous contributions of our soldiers today and always. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are never forgotten.

2005 05 05                                       1:40 p.m.