The battle over Edmonton’s Savaryn Drive continues as critics demand it be renamed due to Peter Savaryn’s Waffen SS past. Jewish groups stress the atrocities committed by the SS Galicia Division, denouncing efforts to whitewash history. Supporters defend him, while calls grow to honor Ukrainian-Canadians who fought against Nazism instead.

Journalist Marcus Kolga recently called Canada’s mission in Latvia “the most important since WWII.” Esprit de Corps questions this claim, pointing to Canada’s major contributions in historic operations including Varsity, Korea, the Cold War, the Balkans, and Afghanistan. These missions, marked by sacrifice and scale, arguably outweigh Latvia’s significance.

Canada faces renewed controversy over streets named after Nazi collaborators, including Max Brose in London, Ontario, and Peter Savaryn in Edmonton. Journalist Lev Golinkin’s findings sparked calls from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center to rename them, citing harm to Holocaust survivors and dishonour to Canadian soldiers who fought Nazism.

Global Affairs Canada has introduced a “dissent channel” for employees to critique foreign policy, but restrictions require criticism not undermine leadership, be sent from official emails, and be management-approved. While leaders promise no retribution, skepticism remains, citing past retaliation in other departments like National Defence against dissenting views.

Donald Trump’s presidency strained U.S.-Canada relations, marked by economic threats, insults, and annexation rhetoric. Many Canadians now see the U.S. as a threat. Despite this, some retired Canadian leaders support Trump. U.S. officials and allies appear dismissive of Canadian concerns, further eroding trust in the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

Retired General Wayne Eyre, former Chief of the Defence Staff, resurfaced promoting leadership and defence spending, despite a controversial tenure marked by backlash over inclusive dress policies, morale issues, lawsuits from fellow generals, and saluting a Waffen SS veteran. He’s now writing memoirs that may address his many public criticisms.