Canada's new national monument honoring those who served in the Afghan war will not be completed until the fall of 2028, more than a decade past its original schedule. The Canadian government broke ground on the site in Ottawa on Monday, marking a significant but delayed step forward for the project.
Location and Timeline
The monument will be situated at LeBreton Flats, near the Canadian War Museum. Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight described the proposed monument as a lasting testament to the courage and sacrifice of Canadians who served. She emphasized that it invites remembrance of those who gave their lives and recognition of the families who carried the weight of service.
Originally announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in May 2014, the monument was slated for completion in 2017. However, years of delays ensued due to disputes over the location. The Conservative government initially chose a site at Richmond Landing, near the Royal Canadian Navy Monument along the Ottawa River, but veterans raised concerns that the site was too isolated and difficult to access, especially in winter. By 2017, the project was in limbo.
In June 2025, the National Capital Commission approved a new location on Booth Street at LeBreton Flats. At that time, officials anticipated a 2027 unveiling. Now, government officials say the memorial will open in late 2028, with construction beginning in spring 2026.
Cost and Procurement
The project cost was set years ago at approximately $5 million. However, Veterans Affairs Canada did not confirm whether the budget remains unchanged or provide specific details on when construction would start. Marc Lescoutre, a spokesperson for Veterans Affairs, stated that the procurement process is almost complete and details are being finalized.
Significance of the Mission
More than 40,000 Canadian Forces members, along with hundreds of civilians and government officials, were involved in the Afghanistan mission from 2001 to 2014, making it Canada's longest combat deployment. The mission claimed the lives of 158 Canadian Forces members, a diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor, and journalist Michelle Lang. Over 2,000 soldiers were wounded, and countless others continue to deal with psychological injuries.
The war was highly controversial, with predictions of Taliban defeat by senior military officers. However, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after U.S. forces withdrew.
