OTTAWA — This Remembrance Day marks eight decades since the conclusion of the Second World War and 25 years since the entombment of Canada’s Unknown Soldier, a First World War combatant who remains unidentified.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa honours the more than 118,000 Canadians who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
Veterans Affairs Canada estimates that, as of this year, there are 3,691 surviving Canadian veterans of the Second World War — 667 women and 3,024 men.
Here’s how Canadians are remembering them today and all those who have since died. All times Eastern.
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11 a.m.
The Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Ottawa Children’s Choir performed O Canada at the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa.
Hundreds of attendees wearing poppies stood at attention, some holding photos of their loved ones who died in war.
An Indigenous veteran carried the Canadian Armed Forces’ eagle staff, which is comparable to the Canadian Flag, and meant to honour Indigenous members of the forces.
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10:48 a.m.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived at the site of the national ceremony to mark Remembrance Day in Ottawa.
Joined by his wife Diana Fox Carney, the prime minister was greeted by Berkley Lawrence, president of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Nancy Payne, this year’s national Silver Cross mother — whose son was killed in Afghanistan in 2006 — has also arrived at the ceremony.
She will lay a wreath on behalf of Canadian mothers who lost their children in military service.
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10:27 a.m.
Boston’s newly re-elected Mayor Michelle Wu is attending the Remembrance Day ceremony in Halifax today.
Accompanied by Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore, Wu says she’s happy to attend the ceremony to honour the continuing relationship between Halifax and Boston.
Wu laid a wreath at the cenotaph on behalf of the City of Boston.
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9:20 a.m.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Canadians across the country will “pause and reflect” on those who served in war.
In a media statement issued today, Poilievre said Canada’s military history is “as brilliant and storied as the country itself.”
He says he thanks veterans today and every day. “May we all, in our own small ways, carry on their selfless spirit,” he added.
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9:04 a.m.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says that in an increasingly dangerous and divided world, remembrance is an act of vigilance and sovereignty and security are not guaranteed.
In a media statement issued today, Carney says Remembrance Day is a moment to honour the women and men who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces to protect Canadians each day, and to remember their “acts of heroic service.”
He says Canadians remember that their rights, freedoms and way of life were “fought for and were won by Canadians who answered the call.”
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8:45 a.m.
People have started gathering near the National War Memorial in Ottawa ahead of today’s national ceremony to mark Remembrance Day.
Chief Justice Richard Wagner will be filling in at this year’s ceremony for Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, who is unable to attend as she recovers in hospital from a respiratory virus, Rideau Hall said late Monday.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight and other dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 11, 2025.
Canadian Press Staff, The Canadian Press
