OTTAWA — The federal government is facing criticism after announcing changes to its Wreaths for Parliamentarians program, limiting Members of Parliament to just two Remembrance Day wreaths each.
In an email sent to MPs, Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight confirmed that the program will continue in 2025, “with a revised format.” Each MP will receive two wreaths adorned with a red ribbon marked “Canada.” Additional wreaths may be ordered, but MPs must cover the cost themselves — $115 per wreath plus shipping.
The change has sparked frustration among parliamentarians, particularly those representing large ridings where up to two dozen ceremonies may take place during Veterans’ Week (Nov. 5–11). Critics argue the cap risks leaving cenotaphs without proper representation from elected officials.
“It almost brings me to tears to think that there’s a government in this country that doesn’t think that’s enough of a priority,” said Blake Richards, Conservative critic for veterans’ affairs. “The idea of not having a wreath at a Remembrance Day ceremony because the government doesn’t want to pay for it — that’s sad.” Richards confirmed that Conservative MPs will pay for additional wreaths if necessary, but insisted taxpayers should not be left questioning the government’s commitment to veterans.
Veterans Affairs Canada defended the move, saying the program was “updated to more equitably distribute wreaths across regions” and to “right-size the program while better supporting Veteran causes in communities across Canada.” However, the department did not clarify what issues required “right-sizing.”
Government officials maintain the decision is not part of the wider cost-cutting review that requires federal departments to find 15 per cent savings by 2029. Still, opposition MPs accuse the Carney Liberals of continuing a “troubling pattern” on veterans’ issues, pointing to delays in the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan, which isn’t expected to be completed until 2028.
As Remembrance Day approaches, the decision has triggered a broader debate over how best to honour veterans and whether symbolic gestures like wreaths should ever be subjected to budgetary restraint.