Brigadier General David C. Kettle
Chaplain General of The Canadian Forces
Ministry of National Defence
National Defence Headquarters
Major-General George R. Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K2

Dear Brigadier General Kettle,

I am writing on behalf of the Humanist Association of Canada to inquire about Remembrance Day and other memorial services for non-religious Canadians. While chaplaincy services may be needed and appreciated by those in the Canadian Forces and their families who follow a certain faith, how do you accommodate the soldiers, pilots, naval officers, and others who consider themselves non-believers, and who, accordingly, do not want religious services? According to the latest Harris-Decima poll, at least 23% of Canadians consider themselves Atheists. This number rises to 35% for those under the age of 25. This translates to literally hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Statistically, these percentages extend to the Canadian Forces as well.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon,

Kathy Meidell
Executive Director, Humanist Association of Canada
www.humanistcanada.com