As Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour received the first poppy of The Royal Canadian Legion 2026 National Poppy Campaign from Ms. Sharon McKeown, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. They were joined by Mr. Larry Murray, Grand President of The Royal Canadian Legion. Present on behalf of MNAC were Captain Wendy Legaarden (Ret’d) and Brigadier-General Roger Scott, OMM, CD, (Ret’d).

“The poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance, inviting us to reflect on the individuals behind the uniform and on the impact military service has on families, communities, and our nation. Today, that reflection carries added weight as we think of those affected by the tragedy at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Before accepting this first poppy, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces community who are grieving this loss. May today’s ceremony serve as a reminder that no member of the Canadian Armed Forces community stands alone, and that Canadians stand with them in moments of grief and healing.”

Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Louise Arbour, CC, OMM, COM, GOQ, CD

The Military Nurses Association of Canada extends our condolences to the families, friend and colleagues of the four soldiers killed – Pte’s Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding, Hayden Likkemark, and Sgt Morgan Wong- in the tragic fire at CFB Wainwright on 17 October 2026 and our well-wishes for the recovery of the 39 soldiers injured.

We will Remember them. Nous nous souviendrons d’eux.