Statement

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

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE DEATH OF TWO CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN

November 17, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of two Canadian soldiers and one afghan interpreter and the wounding of three soldiers:

"I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of Corporal Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp and Private Michel Jr. Levesque, who were killed yesterday in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them at this time of loss.

I also wish a speedy recovery to the other soldiers injured in this incident. These are all exceptional Canadians who deserve the gratitude and respect of this nation.

The actions of these brave soldiers have brought hope to the Afghan people.

My sympathies also go to the family of the Afghan interpreter who lost his life in the incident.

These soldiers were participating in a joint operation to further stabilize the Panjwayi district, west of Kandahar City. The efforts in this region of Kandahar province are aimed at helping create the conditions necessary to allow reconstruction and development in a country devastated from decades of war and turmoil.

We are making a difference in Afghanistan and the Government of Canada stands proudly with our Canadian Forces members as they strive to protect Canadians, our interests and our values."

Corporal Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp was a member of 5e Ambulance de campagne and Private Michel Jr Levesque was a members of 3e Bataillon of Royal 22e Régiment, based out of Valcartier Québec.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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