The Latest: Canadians gather to mark Remembrance Day

OTTAWA — Canadians across the country will pause at 11 a.m. to reflect on the sacrifices and service of Canadian Armed Forces members to mark Remembrance Day.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the start of the Afghanistan war in which 40,000 Canadians served and 159 lost their lives.

This year’s ceremonies also take place just weeks after the tragic fire at Canadian Armed Forces Base Wainwright. Four soldiers were killed and dozens were injured when a wildfire suddenly overtook a training exercise.

All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

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9:20 a.m. — Prime Minister Mark Carney issues a Remembrance Day message saying “rights and freedoms do not defend themselves” in an increasingly “dangerous and divided world.”

He says today is about honouring those who stepped up to serve their country through the generations. He reads the names of the victims of the Wainwright fire: Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding, and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark.

“With their bright futures still before them, they chose to safeguard ours. We mourn their loss, stand with those recovering from their injuries, and hold their families and fellow service members in our thoughts,” Carney said.

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9:10 a.m. — A Remembrance Day procession has arrived at the National War Memorial in Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital city. Hundreds of people have gathered at the monument in St. John’s, despite the rain. The hushed crowd is preparing for two minutes of silence.

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8:30 a.m. — People begin to gather along the fence line at the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa.

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8:15 a.m. — Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour releases a Remembrance Day message calling on all Canadians to reflect on the courage and dedication of Canada Armed Forces members and the sacrifices made by their families and communities.

She says the Wainwright fire is a reminder that everyone who serves is a human being who “accepts risk on behalf of others and is supported by loved ones who share in the sacrifices that service often demands.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 11, 2026

The Canadian Press