More than 40,000 Canadians in uniform and hundreds of civilians and government officials served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. They joined the United Nations-mandated coalition of dozens of countries in the international fight against terrorism. Many Canadians died as a result of their service to this mission. This was the longest combat deployment in Canadian history.
While in Afghanistan, 158 Canadian Armed Forces members, a diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor and a journalist lost their lives. Thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members and civilians were also injured—physically and psychologically.
The National Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan will recognize the commitment and sacrifice of Canadians who served in Afghanistan, and the support provided to them at home by their families, peers and communities. We thank the Canadians who participated in the public online survey related to the five finalist designs for the monument.
Design for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan
The design, developed by Team Stimson, draws on elements of healing from the Medicine Wheel and takes the form of a circular, sacred space of safety, a “home base” of reflection, memory and contemplation. It is made up of four portals, where an interior area is the sanctuary where the fallen are remembered. Inscribed on the walls of three of the quadrants is the year, names of the fallen and maple leaves, in several rows. The fourth southeast quadrant wall facing the direction of Afghanistan is dedicated to fallen Afghan Allies. In the centre, four bronze flak jackets stand draped on crosses—utilitarian yet poignant reminders of protection.
This Monument creates a powerful opportunity to honour and reflect, and to seek balance and healing, for all Canadians.
Check out more renderings of the monument in the photo gallery below.
Next steps
Planning and design development for the National Monument is now complete, and we are moving to the construction phase. Upcoming milestones include:
Spring 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony and beginning of monument construction.
Late 2028: Monument unveiling and dedication ceremony.
We will continue to provide project updates on this webpage.
More information:
- Those who served:
- Monument location and design:
- Past milestones:
- Government of Canada reveals selected design for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan
- Online survey results on the five finalist designs
- Upcoming projects—Public art and monuments (Canadian Heritage)
- Proposed designs for the National Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan
- Five designs revealed for the National Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan
- Five teams selected to prepare design proposals for the National Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan
- Findings from consultations on design considerations
- Design competition launched for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan
- National Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan to be located in Ottawa
Artist’s rendition of the monument design concept - Photo 1
Team Stimson
Artist’s rendition of the monument design concept - Photo 2
Team Stimson
Artist’s rendition of the monument design concept - Photo 3
Team Stimson
Artist’s rendition of the monument design concept - Photo 4
Team Stimson
Artist’s rendition of the monument design concept - Photo 5
Team StimsonAdditional designs for the National Monument