Statement
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the death of three Canadian soldiers
NR–08.060 - September 3, 2008
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the death of three Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan:
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the deaths of Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon, Corporal Michael James Alexander Seggie and Private Chadwick James Horn in Afghanistan. These brave soldiers were involved in an attack on their armoured vehicle. Our wishes for a prompt and full recovery are also with their five comrades who were injured in the attack. Friends, families and loved ones are foremost in our thoughts in these difficult times.
The attack that took the lives of these soldiers took place in the Zharey District of Kandahar when their vehicle was engaged by insurgents. Canadian Forces efforts in this region are aimed at providing the security and stability necessary for Afghans and international partners to rebuild Kandahar province after years of destruction and violence.
The United Nations-mandated mission is making a difference in Afghanistan. Canadians, and the Government of Canada, stand proudly in support our Canadian Forces members as they strive to bring safety and stability back to Afghanistan.
Their sacrifices will not be forgotten.”
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All three soldiers were infantrymen with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Manitoba.
Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the deaths of three Canadian soldiers
September 3, 2008
OTTAWA— My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are dismayed by the tragic news of the death of Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon, Corporal Michael James Alexander Seggie, and Private Chadwick James Horn of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba. All three, along with five of their comrades, were on patrol in their vehicle when they came under attack. We are deeply saddened that once again, such grief weighs heavily on the greater military family and on all of Canada.
This tragedy reminds us of how dangerous the conditions are and the relentless aggression that our military men and women face while on this mission. In spite of the recent attacks, Cpl Grenon, Cpl Seggie, Pte Horn and their comrades demonstrated outstanding professionalism and loyalty. Always ready to serve, they fully understood how vital their support is to the humanitarian efforts in the communities of Kandahar province, where insecurity and violence are daily realities.
From the very bottom of my heart and on behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and comrades in arms of Cpl Grenon, Cpl Seggie, and Pte Horn. We know that your sorrow is inconsolable, and we wanted to reassure you that their courageous and invaluable contribution will never be forgotten. We also wish the five wounded soldiers a full recovery, and extend our full gratitude to our troops stationed in Afghanistan, whose sense of duty remains as steadfast as ever.
Michaëlle Jean
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Media Information
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
3 September 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of three Canadian soldiers:
"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon, Corporal Michael James Alexander Seggie and Private Chadwick James Horn who lost their lives today serving in Afghanistan. I also extend my wishes for the prompt recovery of the five other soldiers injured in the attack.
The three soldiers were killed when an explosion detonated near their armoured vehicle while conducting a security patrol in the Zharey District as part of ongoing efforts to promote reconstruction and development in the area.
All three soldiers were infantrymen with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Manitoba.
The United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission in Afghanistan continues to be a challenging one. The Government of Canada remains resolute in its commitment to the Afghan people, who have suffered decades of war and chaos. We will not be deterred by the actions of the Taliban.
I join with all Canadians in mourning these three brave and dedicated soldiers. They have made the ultimate sacrifice to bring security, democracy and self-reliance to the people of Afghanistan, all the while protecting Canada’s values and security. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten."