The message below was sent out to military staff and DND civilian staff:

Message from Prime Minister Trudeau to the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence

During my travels across Canada, I have had the honour of meeting veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Department of National Defence (DND) civilians and I have tremendous pride in their service to our country. Their message was clear: Canada needs to take care of its military the way its military takes care of Canada.

Recent events serve as a reminder for us all of the enormous debt owed to our Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present, and the contributions you have made in the name of freedom and democracy.

At our first Cabinet meeting last week, the Ministry began work immediately. Your new Minister of National Defence, Harjit Singh Sajjan, will be dedicating his time and energy to making Canada’s military stronger.

Your Minister – along with our Associate Minister of National Defence, Kent Hehr – will have Cabinet’s full support to reinvest in Canada’s military, making it stronger and leaner, more agile, and better equipped, with the right support systems for military personnel and their families. We are also committed to ensuring that new and significant investments are made to meet the sacred obligation that we have to our veterans.

The men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have a long and storied history of exemplary service. From combat missions, to peace operations, to disaster relief, Canada has always been there, and will continue to be an active force for good around the world.

Canadians expect us to make good on our promises, including those to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, their loved ones, and their communities.

I am honoured to have this opportunity to serve as Canada’s Prime Minister. As we bring about real change, I have no doubt that you will play a critical role in helping us meet those commitments, and I am confident that with your support we will accomplish great things for all Canadians.

As servicemen and women, you exhibit the very best of what it means to be Canadian. Today, as on all days, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who put their lives on the line for our great country.

Sincerely,

Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P.

Prime Minister of Canada

[Photo Credit: Canadian Army]