OTTAWA, WINNIPEG, TODAY – Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), joined the Province of Manitoba in commemorating Merchant Navy Awareness week.

The Honourable Scott Fielding, Minister of Finance, Province of Manitoba, was joined by Mr. Jon Reyes, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (MLA), Waverley, and Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs, and CO Colin Stewart and PO1 / M1 Robert Verhoef of HMCS CHIPPAWA. The commemoration proclamation made by Minister Fielding took place at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In both the First and Second World Wars, the Merchant Navy acted as a lifeline to Canada’s troops overseas, playing a crucial role in the war efforts. Merchant Mariners carried the desperately needed personnel, equipment, food, fuel, and ammunition to Europe and around the world.

Over 25,000 voyages were executed during the Second World War. Merchant Mariners understood the dangers of wartime shipping. They displayed bravery and great commitment to duty, while knowing that they were prime enemy targets. By the end of the Second World War, more than 1,700 members had been killed or lost at sea.