Petition to Award Canadian Soldier Victoria Cross

Canada’s highest military distinction, the Victoria Cross, has not been awarded to a Canadian soldier since World War II.

An online petition urging the House of Commons to address this issue has garnered over 16,000 signatures.

Pauline Rochefort, a Liberal MP representing Nipissing-Timiskaming, is championing the petition due to the exemplary actions of Afghanistan veteran Pte. Jess Larochelle, a native of Restoule, Ontario.

Larochelle showcased immense bravery on October 14, 2006, when he courageously defended against a Taliban assault despite sustaining severe injuries.

Assigned to man an observation post in Pashmul, west of Kandahar City, Larochelle valiantly confronted a Taliban force armed with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms, ultimately thwarting their attack.

Despite facing a formidable enemy force, Larochelle, who unfortunately passed away on August 31, 2023, utilized a machine gun and a rocket launcher to hold off the insurgents.

While Larochelle received the Star of Military Valour, the second-highest bravery award in Canada, he was never bestowed with the Victoria Cross.

Notably, since 1945, no Canadian has been honored with the British Victoria Cross for acts of valor, a fact that a group named Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, led by retired Royal Canadian Air Force captain Mike Harrison, seeks to rectify.

Although Canada established its version of the Victoria Cross in 1993, it has yet to confer this prestigious award.

I know that if he had been awarded this medal in his lifetime, he would have been exceptionally proud.– Mike Harrison, retired Air Force captain

Various Allied countries, including Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, have recognized their soldiers’ heroism in Afghanistan with their highest honors, such as the Victoria Cross and the Medal of Honor.

Harrison highlighted the disparity in recognition, emphasizing Canada’s substantial contribution and sacrifice in Afghanistan compared to other nations.

He expressed a personal connection to Larochelle’s family and emphasized Larochelle’s deserving legacy, underscoring the pride he would have felt if awarded the Victoria Cross during his lifetime.

Overlooked Veterans

Harrison pointed out that several Canadian soldiers from past conflicts, including Francis Pegahmagabow, a renowned First World War sniper, were similarly denied the Victoria Cross.

The petition urges the government to establish an independent committee to reassess cases of Afghanistan veterans who potentially meet the Victoria Cross criteria.

Rochefort affirmed that the petition has surpassed the required threshold for government attention and expects a response within 45 days.

This petition represents the latest effort to reform the Victoria Cross award process, following previous unsuccessful attempts by various political figures.

Harrison emphasized the bipartisan support for this cause, signaling a united front from all major political parties.