Ottawa spent $50,376 on a 40-minute groundbreaking ceremony for Canada’s Afghanistan mission monument but gave no formal speaking roles to Afghanistan combat veterans or relatives of fallen soldiers, according to records reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.

Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight had time at the microphone. The department’s explanation for excluding veterans and bereaved families centred on the ceremony’s schedule.

The disclosure followed order paper question Q-1221, submitted by Conservative MP Fraser Tolmie, who represents Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan. He asked about the May 4 ceremony’s costs, invitations and the absence of formal speaking roles for combat veterans and families. The government answered on September 21.

According to Blacklock’s, just 12 of the 170 attendees were Afghanistan veterans. None were asked to speak.

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Veterans Affairs said formal remarks were reserved for McKnight as the monument’s project sponsor, allowing time for symbolic groundbreaking and reflection. It classified the remaining speaking roles as ceremonial.

Those speakers included Algonquin Chief Greg Sarazin, council member Anita Tenasco, a Canadian Armed Forces chaplain and sculptor Adrian Stimson.

Tolmie’s question also sought details on invitations to relatives of the 158 Canadian Armed Forces members who died during the mission, consultation with veterans’ organizations and whether officials raised concerns about veterans’ representation.

Veterans Affairs promised greater involvement when the monument is unveiled in 2028, saying Afghanistan veterans and families of the fallen would be integral to that ceremony.