search and rescue

1968What is the significance of Canadian Armed Forces Day?

Canadian Armed Forces Day is celebrated across Canada every first Sunday in June, formally established by a House of Commons motion on April 25, 2002. This national day pays tribute to the vital service and sacrifices made by Canadian military personnel both at home and around the globe, in roles ranging from peacekeeping to disaster relief. The annual commemoration gained particular distinction in 2026 as it marked the 25th anniversary of the occasion, with more than 90,000 Canadians currently serving. A noteworthy past celebration occurred in Petawawa in 2005, where soldiers were honoured during the base’s centennial Freedom of the City parade.

1998What is the significance of Swissair Flight 111?

Swissair Flight 111, en route from New York to Geneva, tragically crashed into St. Margaret's Bay, Nova Scotia, on September 2, 1998, resulting in the loss of all 229 people aboard. The disaster prompted a four-year investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which cited flammable aircraft materials as a key factor in the uncontrollable onboard fire. Uniquely, the memorials at Whalesback and Bayswater were designed to echo the triangular relationship between the crash site and the two shoreline communities most involved in the recovery. Visitors to these memorials can find the names of all those lost and reflect on the recovery efforts undertaken by residents of Peggy’s Cove and Blandford.