Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney pledged to preserve the National Field of Honour, a cemetery in Montreal dedicated to Canadian Veterans. The specific outcome outlined in the promise was to work with the Last Post Fund to assume ownership of the site, ensuring it remains an appropriate and respectful final resting place for Veterans. This commitment aimed to secure the long-term maintenance and dignity of the cemetery, which has historical significance dating back to its establishment in the early 20th century.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

As of August 27, 2025, there is no public evidence that the Carney government has initiated any concrete steps toward fulfilling this promise. Mark Carney assumed the role of prime minister in early 2025, following the federal election, and his administration has focused on broader priorities such as military reinvestment, NATO spending commitments, and general Veterans' support programs. However, official announcements, news releases, and government websites do not mention any negotiations, agreements, or ownership transfers involving the National Field of Honour or the Last Post Fund.

The government has announced funding for Veterans' well-being initiatives, including support for research and family services, but these do not directly address the ownership or preservation of the National Field of Honour. For instance, in March 2025, Minister Fisher announced recipients for the 2024-2025 Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, which supports various Veteran-related projects, but this does not include cemetery ownership or specific preservation efforts for the Montreal site.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

No legislation has been proposed or passed specifically related to assuming ownership of the National Field of Honour. The Carney government's legislative agenda has emphasized defense rebuilding and economic reforms, as seen in announcements about increasing military spending to meet NATO targets by March 2025. There are no bills, amendments, or parliamentary discussions recorded that target the transfer of ownership from the Last Post Fund to the federal government or any related entity. Without such legislative action, the promise remains unaddressed at the policy level.

Analysis of Key Promise Points

The promise hinges on two main points: working with the Last Post Fund to assume ownership and ensuring the site remains a respectful resting place for Veterans. On the first point, there are no reports of discussions, partnerships, or agreements between the government and the Last Post Fund regarding ownership transfer. The Last Post Fund, a non-profit organization founded in 1909, currently manages the National Field of Honour, and historical records indicate it has handled burials and maintenance independently.

Regarding the second point, while the site continues to serve as a resting place for Veterans, there have been no government interventions to enhance its preservation or appropriateness under Carney's tenure. Broader Veterans' affairs, such as medal reviews for Afghan Veterans or general well-being funding, have been mentioned in government statements, but these do not fulfill the specific commitment to ownership and long-term site security.

Potential Path Forward

Since no actions have been taken, this promise is currently not started. To move toward fulfillment, the government would need to engage in formal negotiations with the Last Post Fund, potentially leading to a ownership transfer agreement, followed by funding allocations or legislative measures to support ongoing maintenance. If such steps are not initiated by the end of Carney's first term, or if the government explicitly abandons the effort, the promise could be considered broken.

Overall Status

This promise is not started.