National Defence Confirms Chaplains Can’t Say ‘God’ at Remembrance Day, Other Official Ceremonies

Other references to a higher power such as ‘Heavenly Father’ are prohibited as well.

A person touches the helmet on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after laying a poppy, at the National War Memorial following the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2022. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

The Department of National Defence has confirmed that chaplains can’t use the word “God” during official ceremonies such as Remembrance Day.

This follows Defence Minister Bill Blair’s dismissal as “misinformation” assertions by the Conservatives that military chaplains are being prohibited from saying prayers at Remembrance Day ceremonies.