OTTAWA — Canadian Forces Chaplain General Guy Bélisle appeared at Ottawa’s National War Memorial on Monday to lead his first Remembrance Day reflection under a controversial new directive, which the Opposition Conservatives have called a de-facto military prayer ban.

“In the spirit of peace and gratitude, this moment prompts us to reflect on the sacrifices of our heroes and their families,” said Bélisle in his brief remarks, which noticeably did not include any variation of the word “prayer.”