Statement

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

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE RESULTS OF THE MANITOBA ELECTION

May 23, 2007
AFGHANISTAN

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the results of the election in Manitoba:

"The people of Manitoba have exercised their democratic right and elected their provincial government. I congratulate Premier Doer on his successful campaign to lead the province once again and I wish him success. Manitoba is a province of great enterprise and boundless energy. Premier Doer has been given a mandate to address the issues of importance to all Manitobans, and I look forward to working with him to continue to build a better Canada".

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER SEES CANADA AT ITS BEST IN AFGHANISTAN

May 22, 2007
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in the Afghan capital of Kabul today, to meet with frontline Canadian workers helping the country to build a democratic, economically viable future of lasting peace and prosperity.

Culminating a day of site visits and briefings related to Canada's ongoing reconstruction and development efforts in the war-torn country, the Prime Minister met with President Hamid Karzai to reaffirm Canada's ongoing commitment to help Afghanistan emerge from years of oppression under Taliban rule.

"It is precisely because we treasure the advantages that make our own country great – that we have extended our hand to Afghanistan," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister met with President Karzai following a visit with students at Aschiana School, where Canada is partnering with Afghanistan to assist a vulnerable group of children who, because of war and chaos, were left out of the school system.

Canadian aid and development workers on the ground in Afghanistan also met with the Prime Minister to discuss the details of a number of reconstruction and development projects currently under way, including the development of critical water and sanitation, power supply, irrigation and health facilities.

"This is Canada at its best, and Canadian people are proud to stand with Afghanistan," said the Prime Minister. "As Canadians, we know that Afghanistan's future will not be secured through military means alone."

"We know it depends on creating the economic, social and governmental infrastructure that ensures a lasting peace and prosperity."

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News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER RALLIES TROOPS IN KANDAHAR, VOWS GOVERNMENT WILL DEFEND ALL THAT CANADA HAS ACHIEVED

May 23, 2007
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

Prime Minister Stephen Harper addressed Canadian troops in Afghanistan today, reaffirming support for the critical role the military is playing to help Afghans build a better life for themselves and their children.

"The progress Canada has made in the five years since its mission began is progress that could not be possible unless our men and women in uniform put themselves on the line," the Prime Minister said. "Every day, our troops personify Canadian values and virtues in Afghanistan, reflecting the very best Canada has to offer."

Canada has shown leadership in international efforts in Afghanistan by committing development assistance and deploying diplomats, development workers, troops and civilian police to help the Afghan government secure a better future for its people. As Canadian Forces provide a secure environment, the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kandahar Province remains key to carrying out reconstruction and development efforts in Afghanistan.

"With their selfless efforts and accomplishments in Afghanistan as our proof, we will let no one diminish all that Canada has achieved here," the Prime Minister added. "And such achievements come only through the secure environment our troops are building here, and from the training and mentoring they are providing the Afghanistan coalition, through this mission."

Following a day of touring Afghan aid and development sites, and bilateral discussions with President Hamid Karzai in the capital of Kabul, the Prime Minister met with troops at the Kandahar Air Field, and visited one of the Canadian Forces forward operating bases.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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