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July 4, 2007
“We are painfully aware of the risks faced by the members of our Canadian Forces in Afghanistan and the harsh realities they face each and every day. The toll tragically rose again this morning when six of our soldiers and an Afghan interpreter were killed when their vehicle struck an explosive device. The victims are Corporal Jordan Anderson, Corporal Cole D. Bartsch, Captain Matthew Jonathan Dawe and Private Lane William Thomas Watkins of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, as well as Master Corporal Colin Stuart Francis Bason of the Royal Westminster Regiment and Captain Jefferson Francis, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were filled with great sadness when we heard the news, as were all Canadians.
The extraordinary dedication of these soldiers and their unfailing determination to defend the ideals of freedom, justice and peace on the other side of the world and in Canada’s name is truly remarkable. These women and men deserve our deepest respect.
I will speak to their families on your behalf and I will tell them that the entire country shares their pain and feels this enormous, terrible loss. Our thoughts are also with their friends and fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, who are also in mourning.”
Michaëlle Jean
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Media Information
Marie-Paule Thorn
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569
www.gg.ca