Independent military honours review board
Petitioners ask Canada to create an Independent Military Honours Review Board to re‑examine Afghanistan veterans for Victoria Cross eligibility, beginning with Private Jess Larochelle. The government responds it will consider the proposal.
Why we would sign this petition
- Creates an independent, transparent review to identify possible overlooked cases that meet Victoria Cross criteria.
- Prioritizes a named case, offering a timely review of Private Jess Larochelle’s alleged actions.
- Could restore recognition and public honour for Afghanistan veterans who say their sacrifices were overlooked.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- May duplicate existing CAF honours procedures, since the military already has nomination and review processes.
- Establishing a new board could add bureaucracy, cost, and delay without guaranteeing different outcomes.
- Reopening historical cases may face incomplete evidence, making conclusive determinations difficult.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada Since 1993, Canada has never awarded its Victoria Cross despite extraordinary valor by Canadian forces during our longest war in Afghanistan; Allied nations awarded their highest honors for Afghanistan service: Britain awarded 3 Victoria Crosses, Australia awarded 4, New Zealand awarded 1, and the United States awarded 18 Medals of Honor, while Canada awarded none; Multiple Canadian Afghanistan veterans demonstrated Victoria Cross-worthy actions, including Private Jess Larochelle who defended his position with a broken back against overwhelming Taliban forces, Warrant Officer William MacDonald who crossed open ground under "a hurricane of metal" to rescue wounded comrades, and Master Corporal Sean Teal who rescued fallen soldiers while under direct enemy fire; Afghanistan veterans feel their sacrifice has been forgotten, despite Canada's significant commitment and casualties; and His cause has gained unprecedented support from distinguished Canadians including General Roméo Dallaire, General Lewis MacKenzie, Minister Bill Blair, MP Erin O'Toole, and endorsements from 100+ military associations, multiple cities, and four Canadian brigade commanders who led battle groups during the Afghanistan war. We, the undersigned, Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to establish an Independent Military Honours Review Board to review Afghanistan veterans' cases where evidence suggests Victoria Cross criteria were met. 1) Begin immediately with Private Jess Larochelle's case whose October 14, 2006 actions clearly demonstrate "most conspicuous bravery". 2) Include review of other compelling Afghanistan cases and address other historical cases.
Government response
Response by the Minister of National Defence Signed by Sherry Romanado National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) are committed to honouring CAF members who have demonstrated bravery, leadership and sacrifice in service to their country and remains deeply grateful to all who have served and continue to serve. Awarding military medals is one of the many ways to honour and communicate to Canadians the bravery, professionalism and sacrifice of those who serve and have served our country. The Victoria Cross is Canada's and the Commonwealth's highest honour and is the pinnacle of the Canadian Military Valour Decorations, recognizing acts of valour, self-sacrifice, or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. The CAF has a process in place for all military honours. Nominations are considered by the Chain of Command and several levels of review committees, based on files that include witness statements, historical fact, and classified information as appropriate. All nominations for Military Valour Decorations, including the Victoria Cross, are considered at the national levels by the Canadian Advisory Committee, which is chaired by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). Recommendations are then given to the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief, who approves them on behalf of the Sovereign. The government agrees to examine the establishment of an Independent Military Honours Review Board to review Afghanistan veteran's cases where new evidence may suggest Victoria Cross criteria were met. While no Victoria Cross has been awarded to this day, the Afghanistan campaign has seen the award of 20 Stars of Military Valour (SVM) and 89 Medals of Military Valour (MMV). It is important to celebrate the 20 SMV, 89 MMV and other recipients who were recognized for their tremendous gallantry and devotion to duty during this long and arduous campaign. These individuals are the embodiment of the highest of military virtues and are the worthy successors to generations of brave Canadians who have shown their mettle in combat in various conflicts around the world in the past 150 years. For these reasons, it is vital to share the stories of these outstanding Canadians with their fellow citizens so that they can be honoured and remembered.