Salvation Army Gathers for Week on Parliament Hill

Last week, Salvation Army representatives from across the territory gathered in Ottawa for the annual Salvation Army Week on Parliament Hill. This important week aims to raise awareness of the Army’s mission and ministry in Canada, while building connections and strengthening relationships with members of the federal government.

From Monday to Thursday, delegates met with more than 50 elected officials, including senators, members of Parliament and other government staff to share the work of The Salvation Army in Canada, and to advocate for the needs of the people it serves in more than 400 communities nationwide.

An ensemble from the Canadian Staff Band performs at both the National Leadership Dinner and National Prayer Breakfast

“It’s an opportunity for us to tell the story of our work in the country,” explains Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications. “We can raise awareness of emergency disaster services (EDS), our fight against homelessness and hunger, and the ways we are serving communities from coast to coast.”

Officers and staff also attended the National Leadership Dinner and National Prayer Breakfast, where ensembles from the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) and Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS) performed as musical guests.

The week began with the National Leadership Dinner on Monday evening at the Rogers Centre, hosted by Richard Bragdon, member of Parliament for Tobique—Mactaquac, N.B., and chair of the National Prayer Breakfast Group. As a non-partisan event, the leadership dinner unites members from all government parties as well as leaders and representatives from multiple denominations of Christian faith.

“Today we come together from across Canada and throughout the nation to express gratitude to God, the one who promised to be with us always, even unto the end,” said Bragdon in his opening remarks. “Because of his presence we are not alone. We’re asking that the Lord meet us here, and minister to us tonight.”

Members of the Canadian Staff Songsters, led by Cathie Koehnen, sing the Canadian national anthem at the National Prayer Breakfast

The dinner, attended by 1,100 people, began with the national anthem led by the CSB and CSS, and a reading from Matthew 28:19-20 in both official languages. Senator Yonah Martin prayed before dinner was served.

Throughout the evening, musical selections were performed by the CSB and CSS, as well as Richard Paul, worship leader for the First Nations Christian Outreach in St. Mary’s First Nation, N.B., and Elenee Young, Canadian Christian artist, producer and songwriter.

The evening also featured a panel discussion moderated by Rachael Thomas, member of Parliament for Lethbridge, Alta., where various members of Parliament shared their experiences working in government, their faith journeys and how the two intersect.

Col Margaret McLeod, chief secretary, with Lt-Col John Murray at the Salvation Army reception

The following morning, delegates returned to the Rogers Centre for the 60th annual National Prayer Breakfast, attended by more than 1,600 people. The event welcomed representatives from several political parties, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, and speaker of the House Francis Scarpaleggia, as well as special guest and keynote speaker, Michael “Pinball” Clemons of the Canadian Football League. Once again, the CSB and CSS provided the musical entertainment.

“The National Prayer Breakfast has now grown into a weekly prayer gathering that happens when Parliament is sitting. Members of Parliament and senators come together in a non-partisan way in a neutral place on Parliament Hill where we leave labels at the door and spend time together as fellow believers in Christ,” explained Bragdon.

Mjr Rick Zelinsky, director of public affairs and EDS, with Ted Troughton, managing director of National Recycling Operations, at the National Prayer Breakfast

In his address, Prime Minister Carney referred to Matthew 1:23 and spoke of the generosity that exists at the heart of the Canadian identity. “Canadians take care of each other,” said Carney. “The Christian tradition holds that generosity is not an original act. We give because we have first received. We parliamentarians are only in this room because we have received abundantly—a determination that does not recognize obstacles, an intelligence that is restless and discernment to see what truly matters. Giving time, attention and mercy can be our most lasting legacy.”

“This was a beautiful all-party event,” says Lt-Colonel Murray. “It was an opportunity for The Salvation Army as a faith-based organization to come into this space, to share meaningful moments together and to pray for our nation.”

The EDS team serves free hot chocolate on the streets of downtown Ottawa

Throughout the week, an EDS community response unit was stationed on the streets of downtown Ottawa, serving free hot chocolate and engaging with local residents, students, tourists and passersby.

On Tuesday evening, Salvation Army officers and representatives hosted a reception for parliamentarians and government staff at the Valour Building. Guests were invited to stop in for refreshments, fellowship and to learn more about the Army’s work through stations highlighting EDS, modern slavery and human trafficking, camping ministries, Pathway of Hope, Indigenous ministries and more.

“We extend a sincere word of thanks to the government of Canada and to all the parties who work on behalf of Canadians. We deeply appreciate this partnership and the government work that enables us to meet the needs of Canadians across the country,” says Lt-Colonel Murray.