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January 24, 2008
OTTAWA—My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were saddened to learn of the death of Corporal Étienne Gonthier of the 5e Régiment du génie, when the vehicle he was in rolled over yet another of those deadly explosive devices that continue to claim lives in Afghanistan. Two more of our soldiers were also injured.
Corporal Gonthier embodied the same loyalty and sense of duty shared by the members of the Canadian Forces. Always willing to serve, he believed in the importance of helping communities in the province of Kandahar, where insecurity is a part of daily life.
This loss reminds us of the harsh conditions, instability and violence that our troops and the civilian population face every day in that region.
Our hearts go out to the entire military family, particularly to the 5e Régiment du génie based in Valcartier, who once again must mourn a terrible loss.
To the friends and family of Corporal Gonthier, please know that his valued contributions to this mission will not be forgotten, and that Canadians across the country support you in your time of grief. Our thoughts are also with the injured, to whom we wish a full recovery.
Michaëlle Jean
‑30‑
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