Statement

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

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65th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC

May 4, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement regarding the 65th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic:

"The Battle of the Atlantic raged through the entire Second World War. For six years, the men and women of the Canadian Merchant Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force fought the enemy on our Canadian shores.

The Atlantic Ocean was a crucial supply line between North America and Britain, and the Canadians provided protection to the many supply ships that ventured across.

Through treacherous conditions, the Canadians fought a turbulent battle. After increased resources and better training, the tides turned in favour of the Allies in May, 1943—setting the stage for future success.

Today we remember the Canadians who protected us during the Battle of the Atlantic, and we honour more than 4,600 of their courageous comrades who lost their lives at sea.

During the Battle of the Atlantic we became the guardians of those in need, and today we continue this noble tradition. The Canadian Forces now serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere are proudly upholding our tradition of confronting tyranny and oppression and building peace and security around the world.

Let us never forget those who served Canada with pride, and the men and women who continue to serve our country today."

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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 HARPER ANNOUNCES STATE VISIT TO FRANCE BY THE GOVERNOR GENERAL

May 4, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will represent Canada on an official visit to France from May 6 to 10, 2008.

The Governor General will travel to France to highlight the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City and participate in celebrations commemorating Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945. The Governor General will visit Paris, Ouistreham, Bény-sur-Mer, La Rochelle and Bordeaux.

This visit will provide an opportunity to highlight both the historic ties that unite the two countries and their common values, which include respect for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

France is an important partner on the international stage. 2008 is a significant year for the bilateral relationship, with the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City, but also Canada's hosting of the Francophonie Summit and the Canada-European Union Summit, coinciding with France's presidency of the European Union.

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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)]