Statement

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

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STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER ON THE DEATHS OF SIX CANADIAN SOLDIERS

July 4, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers:

"It is with deep sorrow that I have learned of today's tragic event in Afghanistan that took the lives of six Canadian soldiers. On behalf of all Canadians, my most sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Captain Matthew Johnathan Dawe, Master Corporal Colin Bason, Corporal Cole Bartsch and Private Lane Watkins. At the request of the family, the names of the remaining two soldiers are being withheld temporarily. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.

An Afghan interpreter also died in this incident, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.

These brave young men put their lives on the line to defend and protect Afghans and provide them the opportunity to rebuild their lives. These soldiers were playing an instrumental role in training and mentoring their Afghan comrades.

The legacies of our fallen soldiers will be carried on by the men and women in uniform who continue to serve Canada valiantly, and remain committed to creating a stable and self-sustaining democratic society for the Afghan people. We are all forever grateful for the sacrifices our serving men and women make on behalf of Canada."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Notice

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

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Public events for July 5, 2007

July 4, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Thursday, July 5th are:

Halifax, Nova Scotia

9:30 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make an announcement. He will be joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Peter MacKay, and Minister of National Defence, Gordon O'Connor.

HMC Halifax Dockyard
Halifax Harbour
Halifax, NS

*Open to media*

Note: Media are asked to arrive no later that 8:45 a.m. at the HMC Halifax Rainbow Gate.

Strongfield, Saskatchewan

2:45 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make an announcement. He will be joined by Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, Chuck Strahl, Minister of National Revenue, Carol Skelton, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), Gerry Ritz, and members of the Saskatchewan Caucus.

Gardiner Dam Grain Terminal
Hwy 19, 3.2 kilometres south of Strongfield
Strongfield, SK
S0H 3Z0

*Open to media*


Kenaston, Saskatchewan

5:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will attend a Conservative Party of Canada Member's Event and deliver brief remarks. He will be joined by Minister of National Revenue, Carol Skelton, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), Gerry Ritz, local Member of Parliament for Blackstrap, Lynne Yelich, and members of the Saskatchewan Caucus. The Prime Minister will arrive at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Kenaston Place
704 4th Street
Kenaston, SK
S0G 2N0

*Photo opportunity only*

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]