Statement

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

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

January 24, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of Sapper Etienne Gonthier:

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Sapper Gonthier, who died today in Afghanistan. Our thoughts also go out to his two comrades who were injured in the same attack. We wish them a prompt recovery and thank them for their selfless service to this country.

"We pay tribute today to the sacrifice made by Sapper Gonthier as he put himself in harms way to bring security and stability the people of Afghanistan. Thanks to his work, and the work of his fellow courageous Canadian Forces members, considerable progress is being made in improving the lives of the Afghan people

"We are in Afghanistan as part of a United Nations-mandated effort to provide the security needed for the people of Afghanistan to rebuild their country which has been ravaged by decades of conflict and upheaval.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sapper Gonthier. His sacrifice is not in vain."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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