OTTAWA—Veterans are calling for a return of the Canadian Service Medal according to Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes, who delivered a petition initiated by constituents in Parliament recently.
“At one time this medal was issued to recognize Canadians who served voluntarily in the Canadian Forces but was stopped abruptly in 1947,” said Ms. Hughes.
Ms. Hughes says that she has heard about the reinstatement of the medal from veterans across Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing and is confident that other MPs are receiving the same message in their constituencies.
“These petitioners note that Veterans Affairs Canada considers any former member of the Canadian Forces that were released with an honourable discharge and successfully underwent basic training to be a Veteran,” said Ms. Hughes. “They ask the government to recognize this service by creating and issuing a new Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.”
The medal would be available to those who volunteered to serve Canada in the Regular Forces, Reserve Military Forces and Cadet Corps Support Staff who have completed 365 days of uninterrupted honourable duty. The new medal would cover service from September 2, 1945 to the present day in perpetuity.
