The Honourable Jill McKnight announces Government of Canada's investments from Budget 2026 at the National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, Quebec

POINTE-CLAIRE, QC, Nov. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to honouring Canada's Veterans by preserving their final resting places with dignity and respect.

Today, during Veterans' Week and on Indigenous Veterans Day, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, reiterated the Government of Canada's Budget 2026 commitment to acquire the National Field of Honour while visiting the cemetery.

The National Historic Site, located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, is the final resting place for more than 20,000 service members and their loved ones. Budget 2026 commits $15.9 million over four years, starting in 2027-28, and $2.1 million ongoing to Veterans Affairs Canada to acquire, remediate, and operate this sacred site in perpetuity.  

Beyond safeguarding the future of this historic cemetery, this commitment will provide certainty to families, support the continued stewardship of an important National Historic Site, and help preserve an enduring part of Quebec's and Canada's shared history.

Quotes

"Remembrance is not only about looking back. It is about carrying forward the stories, values, and sacrifices that shaped our country. The National Field of Honour is a sacred place of remembrance for thousands of Veterans, service members, and families. This investment will help ensure their stories continue to inspire Canadians for generations to come. By preserving this historic site, we are strengthening our commitment to honour those who served and ensuring their legacy endures long into the future."

The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

"The National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, is a place where Canadians can reflect on the very real sacrifices made during the most defining moments in our history. As the final resting place of thousands of veterans and service members, it is a powerful reminder of who we are and why we are here. By honouring this sacred site, we ensure future generations can learn from and be inspired by the courage, service and dedication of those who gave their lives so that we could live in peace."

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

"The name of my riding, Vimy, carries profound significance in our country's history, reminding us of the courage, sacrifice, and unity of Canadians who fought for our freedom. We have a solemn responsibility to honour that legacy by ensuring that the National Field of Honour remains a dignified and respectful resting place for our Veterans and allies. The Government of Canada is committed to preserving this important place of remembrance, reflection and learning, so that future generations can understand, appreciate and honour the service and sacrifices of those who defended Canada and the values we hold dear."

Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families

"We are proud of the stewardship the Last Post Fund, through its Quebec branch, has provided at the National Field of Honour since 1930. This cemetery holds a place like no other in our military heritage, and we are delighted to see its future secured under the Government of Canada for generations to come."

 Major Ken Usher, CD (Retired), National President, Last Post Fund

Quick facts:

• The Last Post Fund was established in 1909 to ensure all military Veterans receive a dignified funeral and burial. The non-profit organization delivers Veterans Affairs Canada's Funeral and Burial assistance program.
• In 1930, the organization created its own cemetery dedicated to Veteran burials, called the Last Post Fund National Field of Honour, in Pointe-Claire, Québec.
• Between 2021-2025, Veterans Affairs Canada engaged Public Services and Procurement Canada to conduct an analysis of the Last Post Fund National Field of Honour and its operations.
• Veterans Affairs Canada currently owns and operates two Veteran cemeteries, Fort Massey in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Veterans Cemetery (God's Acre) in Esquimalt, British Columbia.
• Through the Grave Marker Maintenance program, Veterans Affairs Canada maintains the grave markers of more than 250,000 Veterans in approximately 7,800 additional cemeteries across Canada.
• Acquiring, remediating, and operating the Last Post Fund National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, Québec, and commemorating defining moments in Canada's military history will help preserve the legacy of Canada's veterans for future generations. 
• Budget 2026 also proposes to provide $11.4 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, to Veterans Affairs Canada to support the commemoration of defining moments in Canada's military history. 

Associated links:

Budget 2026: Masters of our destiny
Funeral and burial assistance | Veterans Affairs Canada
Grave marker maintenance | Veterans Affairs Canada
Last Post Fund – Last Post Fund

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada - Ottawa

Contacts, Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [e-mail]; Adam Rogers-Green, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 343-573-0946, [e-mail]