In Defence of Canada: Reflections of a Patriot

“If not us, who? If not now, when?”

In November 2022, Michel Maisonneuve, retired Lieutenant-General of the Canadian Armed Forces, was presented the prestigious Vimy Award in recognition of his outstanding lifetime contributions to the defence of Canada and its democratic values. Before an elite audience of 650 representing government, judicial, academic, corporate and military professions, he launched a stirring defence of the nation he served for five decades. His bracing acceptance speech at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau warned that the principles he was being celebrated for protecting were under assault as never before. Canada was abandoning its history, its civil liberties, its fiscal prudence, its concern for the vulnerable, and its commitment to global stability―things that had long made it not only a great place to live but an important member of the family of nations.

The standing ovation Maisonneuve received that night was followed the next morning by calls for his cancellation. His stalwart defence of his views and his courage in speaking out where others dared not have since earned him the nickname “the anti-woke general” and made him a folk hero among Canadians tired of apologizing for their country.

In Defence of Canada is one warrior’s heartfelt rallying cry for Canadians to face the reality of their country’s decline, recommit to principles of peace, order and good government, and build for the benefit of future generations a tolerant and diverse nation with boundless potential.

Michel Maisonneuve is a former Canadian Army officer who has served as the Assistant Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada and Chief of Staff of NATO's Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk. He is also the 30th recipient of the Vimy Award.