Media Advisory - Government of Canada to host national ceremony commemorating the 35th anniversary of Operation Friction and the end of the Gulf War

HALIFAX, NS, Feb. 26, 2026 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada will host a commemorative event to mark the 35th anniversary of Operation Friction and the end of the Gulf War. The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and a delegation of Persian Gulf Veterans will be joined by His Honour the Honourable Mike Savage, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the Honourable  Barbara Adams, Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Military Relations, His Worship Andy Fillmore, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality, a Canadian Armed Forces contingent, representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion, and other dignitaries.

The event will comprise two parts: a fly past and sail past at Jetty NJ at HMC Dockyard (weather dependent) followed by a commemorative ceremony to honour and recognize Persian Gulf Veterans at HMCS Scotian. The ceremony will include performances by the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, The Halifax Chapter of the Canadian Military Wives Choir, and Persian Gulf Veteran Mark Ryan, and remarks by dignitaries.

Location:
Part 1:	Jetty NJ - Behind Building D201 Maritime Forces Atlantic Headquarters Halifax, NS
Part 2:	HMCS Scotian 2111 Barrington Street Halifax, NS
Date:	Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time:	09:30 AST

There will be photo opportunities during and after the event and interview opportunities with the official delegation members following the conclusion of the event.

Media who wish to participate must register by 17:00 AST on Friday, February 27 by contacting [email protected] with their name and media outlet to obtain access to Jetty NJ and for more details regarding event roll-out.

Registered media are requested to arrive at Rainbow Gate at CFB Halifax no later than 09:00 AST. Parking will be made available for media at the dockyard in the vicinity of Jetty NJ. Should there be severe weather, the sail past and fly past will not take place, but the commemorative ceremony at HMCS Scotian will go forward starting at 10:10 AST. Media must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and press credentials upon arrival.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs and we will work with you to enable your participation.

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada - Ottawa

Media inquiries: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Adam Rogers-Green, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 343-573-0946, [email protected]