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Today on the Hill: Remembering Afghanistan

Today on the Hill: National day to pay tribute to 40,000 Afghan war vets
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A Canadian Forces CH-147 Chinook helicopter prepares to land on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Thursday May 8

By Terry Pedwell, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - The House of Commons is closed down today as Ottawa hosts a national day of commemoration for the soldiers who participated in the war in Afghanistan.

Large armaments are on full display among the bleachers that have been set up for veterans to view the event, including a Chinook helicopter and Leopard tank.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is among the dignitaries who will speak at the ceremony.

The pageantry will include many of the family members of the 158 soldiers who died in the 12-year conflict.

Here are some other events taking place around Parliament Hill:

— The group Safe Step Cares presents a private donation to injured Afghanistan war veteran Cpl. Frank Dupere at a ceremony at the Canadian War Museum;

— Statistics Canada releases the labour force survey for April, with analysts projecting that some 16,000 jobs were created during the month;

— The University of Ottawa hosts a two-day surveillance workshop entitled "Democracy in a Surveillance Society";

— Canada's access to information laws collide with the Ontario Ministry of Finance as the Supreme Court of Canada renders a decision in an appeal launched as a result of a request for information about changes to corporate tax law;

— And Gov. Gen. David Johnston hosts a special ceremony at Rideau Hall to hand out this year's Performing Arts Awards.