Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, for generations, Canadians in uniform have served this country with extraordinary courage, taking the ultimate risk to protect our freedom and democracy. It’s essential for our country to properly recognize the acts of valour that our warriors demonstrate in their service and sacrifice. What does it say of a country that fails to do so?

In 1993, Canada created its highest honour, the Canadian Victoria Cross, to be awarded for the most conspicuous bravery. However, Canada has yet to award its highest honour.

One exceptional case of bravery during the war in Afghanistan is that of Ontario’s Private Jess Larochelle. With his comrades killed or wounded and with him being severely injured, Private Larochelle single-handedly defended his post from between 20 to 40 Taliban attackers, saving the lives of fellow soldiers.

Another such case is that of Saskatchewan’s Master Warrant Officer (Retired) William MacDonald, a hero of the Battle of the White School. With the Canadians heavily outnumbered, MacDonald crossed open ground and repeatedly braved a “hurricane of metal” to rescue wounded comrades.

These and other examples force us to ask: What more could a soldier do for their country? This is why I and many others are calling on the government to establish an independent military honours review board.

I am also concerned about the possibility of historic oversights in awarding the Victoria Cross in past conflicts, where the facts may have justified that honour but may have been overlooked due to discrimination of some sort.

That is what occurred in the United States, with President Obama following up and awarding the Medal of Honor to 19 such individuals in 2014.

In Canada, momentum is growing for an independent review. Supporters include former Chief of the Defence Staff, General (Retired) Rick Hillier; Lieutenant-General (Retired) and former senator Roméo Dallaire; Major-General (Retired) Lewis MacKenzie; Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Ed Staniowski; the Honourable Erin O’Toole; and over 100 military associations, multiple cities and several Canadian brigade commanders who led battle groups in Afghanistan.

In December, the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan unanimously passed a motion in support of this initiative. The Government of Ontario also supports it.

A House of Commons petition has over 16,000 signatures. It is sponsored by MP Pauline Rochefort and led by veterans, including the non-profit Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, founded by Corporal (Retired) Bruce Moncur. In March, this Senate adopted my motion supporting an independent review.

Senators, let’s ensure our heroes in uniform have been properly recognized for their conspicuous bravery, and let’s celebrate the very best of Canada.

Thank you. Hiy kitatamihin.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.