The federal government in Canada changed the final design choice for a monument meant to pay tribute to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of the country. The government did not consult with veterans to see if they felt the situation warranted a change. A jury had originally chosen a design, but the government rejected it and selected another option instead.
The Veterans’ Affairs Committee had been studying the issue, but concerns led to the frustrations of Conservative MP Blake Richards. To address the lack of answers, he introduced a motion to order the government to hand over more documents to explain its decision. Some members of Parliament, such as NDP MP Rachel Blaney, have expressed their support for the motion, questioning the government’s handling of the situation.
More than 40,000 Canadian soldiers served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014, with many making sacrifices during their service. After the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in November 2021, the design for the monument came under scrutiny as the situation in Afghanistan changed. The government ultimately selected a different design by Indigenous artist and Armed Forces veteran, Adrian Stimson, prompting backlash from those who felt the original vision was more suitable.
Documents related to the decision-making process, including potential consultations with the families of veterans who died in Afghanistan, revealed a lack of proper communication between key stakeholders. Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge and Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor appeared before the veterans affairs committee to address questions about the monument but have faced criticism for their handling of the situation. Meanwhile, the original design team has launched a petition to reverse the decision, arguing that the government did not adhere to its own rules.