News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister salutes graduating soldiers

April 13, 2006
Wainwright, Alberta

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today visited the Land Force Western Area Training Centre located at the Canadian Forces Base in Wainwright, Alberta. The Prime Minister served as a Reviewing Officer for soldiers graduating from the Basic Infantry Qualification Course.

"As many former graduates will tell you, serving one’s country is an honour, especially when this country has such a proud and rich history as Canada has," said Prime Minister Harper. "As you stand up for Canada, rest assured my government will stand up for you."

The Prime Minister also addressed the graduating soldiers from the military’s junior leadership course.

“Being a leader among your peers is no easy task but I know your skills, your determination and your courage, as soldiers, will allow you to execute your duties with shining honour and make your country proud,” stated Prime Minister Harper.

Prime Minister Harper also toured the base, which trains 2,000 soldiers per year, and has been in operation for more than 60 years. His last stop of the day was to visit the control building for the army’s new Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre. This centre, designed to prepare complete battle groups for operations overseas, uses state-of-the-art weapons effects simulations to help create the most realistic training environment Canadian soldiers have ever trained in.

Reflecting on the recently graduated soldiers, Prime Minister Harper added that "these young soldiers are now part of a true noble profession - the Canadian military.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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