Beechwood 9/11 Memorial plaque, Ottawa. Source: Memorials in Ottawa

Among the names of the dead to be read out with solemnity and dignity on September 11, 2026 - the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks - will be twenty-four Canadians. 

In the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center, hundreds of firefighters and other first responders from across Canada rushed - many on their own individual initiative - to New York City to lend assistance in search and rescue and recovery operations. 

Thousands of people descended on Gander, Newfoundland in the hours after the tragedy, when flights bound for the United States were immediately grounded, where they received a warm welcome from overwhelmed locals. 

More than 40,000 Canadians were deployed to Afghanistan after the Article 5 mutual defense clause of the NATO charter was invoked by member states. 158 Canadian soldiers and seven civilians gave their lives in the course of operations to root out terrorist influence and make the world more secure.

Twenty-five years later, we recall the sorrow of that day. We reflect on how the world has changed because of that singular event. We also take pride in our service. In how CSIS, thanks to its vigilance and diligence, has contributed to preventing any major terrorist assaults on our country, all the while safeguarding our freedoms and upholding our values.

Pillar Society National President