Latest news with #VimyRidge
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
In defence of Canada and its war efforts
Following King Charles's speech in Canada (27 May), it is time to challenge the repeated claim by Donald Trump that Canada has been a freeloader on America with regard to defence. In the first world war, Canada lost around 61,000 people out of a population of 8 million. US combat deaths were 53,000 from 100 million. In the second world war, both nations lost similar proportions of their populations. Canada supplied quality and technical skills for the frontline, from the tunnellers of Vimy Ridge, portrayed in the Canadian parliament chamber, to the strategic bomber crews (40% Commonwealth) and the corvettes that protected American ships in the Battle of the Atlantic. In Britain, we benefited from Canadian generosity. The US charged interest for decades on its postwar loan to the UK, while Canada donated $1bn. Prof Nick BosanquetYork Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
CTV News
08-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Maritimers mark 80th anniversary of VE-Day
Maritimers mark the end of the Second World War – 80 years later. On this day 80 years ago, the world celebrated Victory in Europe (VE-Day) and the end of the Second World War. 'On September 10, 1939, which happened to be my birthday, Canada declared way on Germany,' recalled Joyce Peach of Port Morien, N.S. Peach was just 15-years-old when the good news came across the Atlantic Ocean that the war was over. She's 95 now and, though she never thought she would mark the 80th anniversary of VE-Day, she still remembers the celebration on May 8, 1945. 'There was a building here in Morien that we called the Old Orange Hall, and I did have a picture of the community in that hall celebrating,' Peach remembered. Peach has a close personal connection to war, too. Her father Stanley Smith fought at Vimy Ridge during the First World War. 'He was wounded twice in France, and the doctor wanted to take his leg off and he refused,' Peach said. 'And until the day he died there was shrapnel in his leg.' Mel Birmingham is a longtime legion member in North Sydney, N.S., and a retired peacekeeper who served in Kosovo. He said he can relate to what Canadian men and women went through during the Second World War and the sacrifices they made. 'I'm old enough that I've sat and had a few refreshments with them and heard their war stories,' Birmingham said. 'I admire these gentlemen, and when I was overseas with the United Nations, I made a pilgrimage to visit every one of their graves that I could from Belgium right up to the tip of Norway. I walked through the cemeteries, and I don't think I had a dry eye.' The Second World War was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, with tens of millions killed worldwide - including more than 45,000 Canadians. While most of those who survived are now gone as well, Birmingham says their bravery will never be forgotten. 'To look at the ages: 18, 17, 19,' Birmingham said, his voice filled with emotion. 'Just amazing. Just amazing what it takes to leave home, go over there and fight for your country.' 80th anniversary of V-E Day Members of Branch 19 Legion in North Sydney, including retired peacekeeper Mel Birmingham (right), marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
National Post
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
U.S. as the 11th province could be 'the best thing': Shatner jokingly makes a counter-offer to Trump
Canadian actor and comedian William Shatner had a counter-offer to President Donald Trump's suggestion of turning Canada into the 51st state. Article content Shatner spoke to host Jesse Watters on Fox News after Prime Minister Mark Carney met with the American leader at the White House on Tuesday. In the interview, Shatner joked about what he thought could be a good solution for Carney to turn the tables on Trump. Article content Article content 'I've dealt a little in real estate and I'm going to say to Carney, 'Do a real estate deal. Make a counter offer.' Let's offer … to the United States to be the 11th province,' he said. 'Think of the joy… It's the best thing.' Article content Article content Tensions between Canada and the United States have been heightened since Trump took office. This is largely due to the president's rhetoric about making Canada the 51st state, as well as an ongoing trade war and stricter travel policies. Canadians have been resolute in trying to buy local goods and have even been opting to travel within in the country, rather than vacationing in the U.S. Article content Shatner said that everyone was acting 'so serious about what is an unserious offer' from Trump. Article content He also brought up Canada's history, highlighting the country's role in the Second World War. Article content 'Canada's been around for 150 years more and they've had a noble service… Vimy Ridge, Juno Beach, Dieppe. Tens of thousands of Canadian soldiers have died in the fight for freedom and making the world playable for all of us. You can't denigrate that. You can't deny that,' said Shatner. Article content Article content Watters brought up the fact that by persisting, Trump may eventually get what he wants. Article content Article content 'At a certain point, persistence becomes insulting,' said Shatner. Article content At Tuesday's meeting in the Oval Office, Trump and Carney addressed talk of the 51st state. Article content
