Ottawa –

Today, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, condemned the vandalism of a Stratford, Ontario cenotaph honouring Veterans of the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.

"Vandalizing a memorial to those who served Canada is shameful. The memories of the men and women who put their lives at risk to protect our country must be preserved, protected and honoured. I encourage any community members with information about this incident to contact local police immediately," said Minister Fantino. "The perpetrators should face the full force of the law."

"Veterans Affairs Canada has reached out to the City of Stratford and we will ensure they have financial support for the restoration efforts they have already made," added Minister Fantino.

The Government of Canada runs the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Fund in part to help communities make repairs following unfortunate incidents such as this.

Minister Fantino also restated his support for Bill C-217, a private member’s bill from David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin–Caledon, that would see harsher punishment for anyone who vandalizes war memorials and cenotaphs. The Government of Canada hopes this legislation passes urgently, to hold criminals accountable.

"This egregious act of vandalism underscores the importance of preserving the sanctity of monuments built in memory of those who served our country. We must ensure that anyone who commits vandalism against a war memorial will face strong consequences," said Minister Fantino.

src:news.gc.ca