Today, in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, we were impacted by another great loss to this nation and its people, at the death of four members of the Canadian Forces, doing their duty in such an honourable fashion abroad. Despite it being posthumous, I think that it would be appropriate to thank Corporal Matthew Dinning, Bombardier Myles Mansell, Lieutenant William Turner, and another soldier who is not going to be named at the request of his loved ones, for their tireless devotion to Canada, its own security, and the safety of the free world. I would extend this gratitude to each and every member of our armed forces — every one of you, who musters the courage to serve Canada abroad, deserves our utmost respect. My sincere condolences go out to those who have been affected by this untimely tragedy.
Even where we do not agree with the circumstances under which the members of our Forces are sent abroad, we should remember, at all times, that the members of our Forces serve to protect us, and we should never disrespect that sentiment. It's one thing to criticize a mission, an intervention, or a strategy — however, it is quite a separate (and in my opinion, inappropriate) thing to criticize the conduct and character of the members themselves. I would hope that members of Canadian Content would keep this in mind in future debates and discussions to that end.
In addition to my own thoughts on this subject, I thought that it may be appropriate to post the sentiment expressed by major public figures. I have included statements from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Commander-in-Chief in and over Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P., the Member for Calgary Southwest and the Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Bill Graham, P.C., M.P., the Member for Toronto Centre and the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Neither the leaders of the Bloc Québécois, nor the New Democratic Party of Canada have published any statements to this end.
1. Cliquetez içi pour le site Web de la Gouverneure-générale du Canada.
2. Cliquetez içi pour le site Web du Parti conservateur du Canada.
3. Cliquetez içi pour le site Web du Parti libéral du Canada.
Even where we do not agree with the circumstances under which the members of our Forces are sent abroad, we should remember, at all times, that the members of our Forces serve to protect us, and we should never disrespect that sentiment. It's one thing to criticize a mission, an intervention, or a strategy — however, it is quite a separate (and in my opinion, inappropriate) thing to criticize the conduct and character of the members themselves. I would hope that members of Canadian Content would keep this in mind in future debates and discussions to that end.
In addition to my own thoughts on this subject, I thought that it may be appropriate to post the sentiment expressed by major public figures. I have included statements from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Commander-in-Chief in and over Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P., the Member for Calgary Southwest and the Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Bill Graham, P.C., M.P., the Member for Toronto Centre and the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Neither the leaders of the Bloc Québécois, nor the New Democratic Party of Canada have published any statements to this end.
[color=#bb0000 said:Her Excellency the Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean[/color], C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.,]They went to Afghanistan hoping to make a difference, and in this they succeeded, helping to improve the lives of its citizens. Our women and men in uniform have suffered an immense loss today, and yet, I know they will forge ahead and continue their valuable work, bringing peace to a troubled land.
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The [color=blue said:Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper[/color], P.C., M.P.,]These men were working to bring security, democracy, self-sufficiency and prosperity to the Afghan people and to protect Canadians' national and collective security. We will not forget their selfless contribution to Canada.
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:?: Les SourcesThe [color=red said:Hon. Bill Graham[/color], P.C., M.P.,]I speak not only for our party but all Canadians when I say that we greatly appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice that our men and women in the Canadian Forces undertake on our behalf everyday. These men and women put their lives on the line to provide us with a safe and secure world.
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1. Cliquetez içi pour le site Web de la Gouverneure-générale du Canada.
2. Cliquetez içi pour le site Web du Parti conservateur du Canada.
3. Cliquetez içi pour le site Web du Parti libéral du Canada.