Ottawa, ON — The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on the anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy: 

“On June 6, 1944, 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed on Juno Beach, joining the Allied Forces from the United States, Great Britain, Poland and Free France in the most complex air, land and sea military operation attempted in history. Many among them had already lived through the horrors of war and knew what awaited them in Normandy, France – but they did not turn back. In an act of collective heroism, they answered the call of duty and launched the slow and arduous process of dismantling Hitler’s empire in Western Europe.  

“Their bravery on that day, and in the two-and-a-half-month battle that followed, turned the tide of the war and helped secure the victory that would restore peace and freedom to Europe, changing the course of history forever.  

“Canada’s role in securing success in the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy remains an enormous source of national pride. Today, we remember the more than 5,000 Canadian troops that laid down their lives, and the 13,000 soldiers who suffered injuries – both visible and invisible. On this anniversary, we also honour the legacy of the approximately one million Canadians who fought against the evil of fascism in the Second World War. 

“We are forever indebted to these brave soldiers for securing the freedoms we enjoy today, and to the generations of Canadians who have since followed in the proud tradition of service to Canada to protect what was fought for all those years ago. While we can never repay them for their immeasurable sacrifice, today we come together as Canadians to bow our heads in humility and say thank you.  

“Lest we forget.”