Madam Speaker, in November of 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the First World War ended. Beginning in 1919, Armistice Day, now referred to as Remembrance Day in Canada, was first observed throughout the British Commonwealth. This was to observe the armistice agreement that ended the First World War. Subsequent to that, new conflicts arose and continue to arise to this very day. To this day, we still have many Canadians placed in harm's way.
Madam Speaker, remembrance is not only the right thing to do, but it is our duty and our moral duty. Although it is but one brief moment on November 11th, as Canadians, we pause for that moment of silence. During that pause and during that silence, we remember and honour all those men and women who now serve, have served, and those who sacrificed their lives for Canada.
Madam Speaker, throughout our history, more than 23 million Canadians have served, while more than 118,000 have died to protect us, all to provide present and future generations with a chance at a safe, healthy, and bright future. This recognition and sacrifice is why Canada, along with the Northwest Territories and eight other jurisdictions, declared Remembrance Day a statutory holiday.
Madam Speaker, for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us and for those who continue to protect us, I would ask and encourage all residents of the Northwest Territories to take the time to pause, reflect, and think of those persons, not only on November 11th, but each and every day going forward. Thank you, Madam Speaker.