The 94th annual Canadian Defence Association Institute Conference focused on NATO’s goal of spending 5% of GDP on defence and its implications for Canada’s military readiness, procurement, and defence industry. Senior Canadian and allied commanders discussed sovereignty, interoperability, and modernization, while the event drew record attendance and highlighted evolving security challenges.
BGen. Christopher Horner, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division, warned that space underpins 20% of Canada’s economy and all modern military operations. From GPS to financial systems, Canada is deeply dependent on vulnerable satellites. He emphasized resilience, sovereign launch capability, and space domain awareness to protect national security and economic stability.
The Embassy of Kuwait marked the 65th Anniversary of National Day and 35th Anniversary of Liberation Day with a reception highlighting Canada–Kuwait ties and honouring Persian Gulf War veterans. The event also renewed calls to recognize Canadian veterans’ Gulf War service as wartime duty, ensuring fair access to benefits.
Aero Gatineau-Ottawa 2025 delivered three days of perfect weather, thrilling aerial performances, and family fun. From the Snowbirds, SkyHawks, and vintage warbirds to aerobatic displays, jet passes, and even superhero skydivers, the show offered something for everyone. With new kid-friendly activities and crowd-pleasing stunts, it was an unforgettable weekend.
On the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association (HKVCA) honoured “C” Force—1,975 Canadians sent to defend Hong Kong in 1941. With nearly 2,000 deployed, 290 were killed and 1,685 captured, enduring brutal POW camps. The reunion celebrated sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance.
On August 10, Ottawa’s National Peacekeepers’ Day ceremony honored fallen Canadian peacekeepers, marking the 51st anniversary of the 1974 Buffalo aircraft tragedy. Led by dignitaries including MGen. (ret’d) Lewis MacKenzie, the event also reflected on UN mission failures in Rwanda, Somalia, and Yugoslavia, and praised Canada’s historic peacekeeping contributions.
Robert Hampton Gray, born in B.C., left university in 1940 to join the RCNVR, later flying Corsairs from HMS Formidable. On August 9, 1945, he heroically sank the Japanese ship Amakusa before being killed in action, earning the Victoria Cross. Ottawa marked August 9, 2025, as Robert Hampton Gray Day.
On April 9, 1917, the Canadian Corps captured Vimy Ridge in a defining First World War victory, at great cost. The 109th anniversary was marked in Ottawa with a modest but meaningful ceremony, expanded by veterans’ efforts, featuring wreaths, music, and the launch of the National Sentry Program honouring Canada’s fallen.