Remembrance Day
In 1931, after insistent representation from the Canadian Legion, parliament enacted the Armistice Day Act. The Act ensured that November 11th would be set aside as a day distinct and apart from any other observance upon which the nation could pay special tribute to those “who gave their lives that freedom might prevail”.
In 1970, an act, known as “The Holidays Act”, was passed by Parliament which included, among other holidays, Remembrance Day. An extract of that act reads as follows:
“Throughout Canada in each and every year, the 11th day of November, being the day in the year 1918 on which the Great War was triumphantly concluded by an armistice, is a holiday and shall be kept and observed as such under the name of Remembrance Day.”
Discover the importance of the Poppy
World War I
| CANADA | |||
| Participants | 628,736 | 624,218 men | 4,518 women |
| Died | 66,573 | ||
| Wounded | 138,166 | ||
| Taken Prisoner | 2,818 | ||
| Newfoundland | |||
| Participants | 16,922 | ||
| Died | 1593 | ||
| Wounded | Unknown | ||
| Taken Prisoner | 180 |
World War II
| CANADA | |||
| Participants | 1,081,865 | 1,031,902 men | 49,963 women |
| Died | 44,927 | 44,854 men | 73 women |
| Wounded | 53,145 | 53,126 men | 19 women |
| Taken Prisoner | 8,271 | ||
| Newfoundland | |||
| Participants | 19,460 | ||
| Died | 704 | ||
| Wounded | Unknown | ||
| Taken Prisoner | Unknown |
War in Korea
| Participants | 26,971 | ||
| Died | 516 | ||
| Wounded | 1,558 | ||
| Taken prisoner | 33 |
Gulf War
| Participants | 4074 | 3837 men | 237 women |
Merchant Navy
At the outbreak of World War II, there were only 37 Canadian vessels registered for foreign voyages. Nearly half of that number was lost to enemy attacks. Approximately 1,400 Canadian seamen served on those original ships.
A 1941 Order in Council called for the establishment of Merchant Seaman Manning Pools; created training schools and facilities, as required; and, encouraged the assistance, and coordination of the extension of facilities for the welfare of seaman in Canadian ports.
Eventually, Canada had the largest merchant fleet in the history of the Dominions with approximately 180 oceangoing cargo vessels and some 14,000 skilled seamen, at all ranks.
175 Canadian Seamen died by enemy action in World War I
1,146 Canadian Seamen died by enemy action in World War II