The Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on the Liberal government’s announcement that they would raise the Canadian flag after over five months:
“Canada’s flag is our most important national symbol, which represents not only our dream for a better country, but our past. That’s why Canada’s Conservatives have been calling for the flag to be raised today, with the start of Remembrance Week.
“It was appropriate to lower the flag to recognize our tragic history of residential schools and the unspeakable trauma it has caused for generations of Indigenous peoples in Canada. What was not appropriate, was Justin Trudeau’s decision to lower the flag without some form of protocol or plan to restore Canada’s flag back to its rightful place.
“In fact, because of the personal conduct of the Prime Minister, an opportunity to raise the flag after the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, on September 30th, was missed. Symbolic acts are not a substitute for concrete action on reconciliation.
“As the flag is raised, I call on all Canadians to rededicate ourselves to our collective effort towards reconciliation and remembrance. We can and must work together to heal the wounds of our country, past and present.”
Erin O’Toole Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition Ottawa