After nearly seven years, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes is introducing a bill in the House of Commons to create the Defence of Canada Medal.
Hughes says the decades-long Cold War kept the country on high alert for a circumpolar attack from behind the Iron Curtain.
To commemorate that effort, Hughes introduced legislation this week to create a Defence of Canada Medal for those who protected the country from within during that time.
Hughes says the Cold War lasted from 1946 until the dismantling of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the medal would properly acknowledge the work and sacrifice of the personnel who served Canada during that time.
She adds the medal is intended to be awarded to individuals who served in regular and reserve forces, police forces, emergency measures organization, as well as civil organizations.
Hughes also gave credit for the idea to retired Captain Ulrich Krings of Elliot Lake.