ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION 2020 – CANCELLATION MESSAGE
It is with deep regret that we write to advise that our ANZAC Day service in Ottawa, scheduled for 9am on 25 April, has been cancelled. Organisers have also cancelled ANZAC Day services in Toronto and Vancouver.
We are as disappointed as we know you will be with this outcome, but given the COVID-19 pandemic and the advice of the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian public health authorities, it is the responsible course of action.
While we will not be able to gather together on 25 April, we encourage all Australians and New Zealanders, wherever you may be, to commemorate ANZAC Day in your own personal way. Please take a moment to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the thousands of Australian and New Zealand men and women who serve or have served in wars, conflict and peace keeping operations. We especially ask you to think of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
Public ANZAC Day services have also been cancelled in Australia and New Zealand. But, the Australian War Memorial will be holding a private ceremony in Canberra at 5.30am on 25 April (AEST), 3.30pm on 24 April (EST), 12:30pm on 24 April (PDT). The ceremony will be broadcast live by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and streamed online. Please see more information on this here: https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day. You may wish to watch this ceremony as part of your commemoration of ANZAC Day.
Our thoughts are with all Australians and New Zealanders in Canada, and our Canadian colleagues and friends, in these challenging and unprecedented times. Please stay safe, stay informed by following the advice of public health authorities, stay connected with your friends and family, and please stay home.
Her Excellency Natasha Smith, Australian High Commissioner to Canada
His Excellency Martin Harvey, New Zealand High Commissioner to Canada