OTTAWA, ONTARIO… Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, was pleased to receive an update from Defence Minister Peter Mackay in the House of Commons, regarding Canada’s mission to Afghanistan.
Mrs. Cheryl Gallant (Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, Conservative): The Minister of National Defence has just returned from Afghanistan where he visited our mission in Kandahar province. Can he give us a first-hand report on how the mission is going and what progress he saw?
Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence Conservative): Mr. Speaker, I did have the real privilege to see the work that is being done in Afghanistan by our military, by officials from CIDA, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the tremendous contribution and commitment that is being demonstrated by Canadians. I was briefed on a successful operation by the Afghan National Army in cooperation with Canadian troops. It showcased their steady progress in defending their country under the positive Canadian mentoring that is happening there.
I also visited the HMCS Winnipeg and its crew who are actively fighting piracy off the coast of Africa. Whether it is our navy in the gulf, our army or air force fighting terrorism in Afghanistan, Canadians have one team they can be proud of, the courageous, committed Canadian Forces.
“As the Member of Parliament for CFB Petawawa, and having just welcomed home over 2500 troops, my constituents are interested in what is happening in that war-torn country. Only a more secure environment will sustain law and order.”
“By supporting Afghanistan’s capacity for democratic governance, we enhance the confidence of Kandaharis in their government. Only then will countries like Canada, which is maintaining a significant presence in Afghanistan at a tremendous personal cost, be able to provide humanitarian assistance for extremely vulnerable people, including refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons, when confidence is restored,” said MP Cheryl Gallant.
Canada is committed to a combat role as part of our nation’s mission to Afghanistan until 2011. Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan represents the largest Canadian military undertaking abroad since the Korean War.
