Canada’s Veterans have always been there for us. From Prairie floods to East Coast storms and ocean rescues. From the Halifax explosion to earthquakes in Haiti. From Canada’s Arctic to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Nicaragua. Their service and sacrifice as members of our military have kept us safe, sovereign and strong—and made sure Canada remains a good neighbour. It’s time to say thank you.
Help us recognize the efforts of Canada’s military at home and throughout the Americas. Learn about the stories, achievements and sacrifices of our Veterans. Remember and reflect on important moments in Canada’s history and explore their lasting legacy.
Throughout the year, we will recognize our Veterans’ contributions using these themes as our guide:
Being a good neighbour
Canada’s Armed Forces have helped others in need time and time again. They have provided aid after earthquakes in places like Haiti, Chile and Peru. They have promoted peace in Central America and responded to storms in the United States, Honduras and other countries. In times of crisis, Canadian Veterans were there to lend a helping hand.
Keeping us safe
Canada’s Veterans dedicated their lives to keeping us and our country safe. They have patrolled our skies, and launched search and rescue missions. They have kept dangerous drugs from reaching our shores. And they have worked closely with other countries to ensure Canada remains strong and free.
Helping Canadians
Throughout history, Canada’s military personnel have responded to natural disasters and domestic tragedies—often putting their lives on the line to help others. From floods and forest fires to ice storms and plane crashes, they were there when we needed them most.
Protecting sovereignty
The Canadian Armed Forces protect our country by patrolling our skies, coasts and land. Our Veterans have always been ready to defend Canada.
Missions
People and stories
Classroom materials
Important dates
6 December 1917
- Canadian military personnel assist with recovery efforts after the Halifax Explosion
11 May 1942
- The Canadian military begins fighting the Battle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence during the Second World War
12 May 1958
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Canada and the United States sign the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) agreement
September-October 1974
- CAF delivers relief supplies to Honduras after Hurricane Fifi
12 December 1985
- CAF responds to the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
12 December 1989
- Canada begins participation in the United Nations Observer Group in Central America (Operation Sultan)
30 October 1991
- CAF launches a major search and rescue mission after a Hercules aircraft crash in the Canadian Arctic
21 April 1997
- CAF responds to the Red River Floods in Manitoba (Operation Assistance)
8 January 1998
- CAF responds to a major Ice Storm in Eastern Canada (Operation Recuperation)
2 September 1998
- CAF responds to the crash of Swissair Flight 111 off the coast of Nova Scotia (Operation Persistence)
6 November 1998
- CAF responds to Hurricane Mitch in Honduras. The Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is deployed for the first time (Operation Central)
5 September 2005
- CAF responds to Hurricane Katrina in the southern United States (Operation Unison)
12 January 2010
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CAF responds to a devastating earthquake in Haiti (Operation Hestia)
4 May 2016
- CAF provides assistance following intense wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alberta (Operation Lentus)
8 September 2019
- CAF supports the Government of Nova Scotia with their response in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
March 2020
- CAF launches Operation Laser in response to worldwide pandemic.