Military apologizes for delay in repatriation
Updated Thu. Apr. 16 2009 6:47 PM ET CTV.ca News Staff
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Canada's top military official has apologized for a decision which delayed the repatriation of a fallen soldier and reportedly prevented some of her fellow soldiers from taking part in the ceremony.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canada's chief of defence staff, also offered the family of Trooper Karine Blais his "deepest support" during their time of grief.
"I want to offer my sincerest apologies to anyone who may have been offended by the decision to return troops to Ottawa prior to the final repatriation of our fallen comrade Trooper Karine Blais," added Natynczyk.
The comments followed a controversial -- and unusual -- decision to first drop off 117 soldiers at CFB Uplands near Ottawa before bringing Blais' remains back to Trenton for repatriation.
The 21-year-old soldier was killed in Afghanistan on Monday in a bomb blast.
"Having personally attended many Repatriation Ceremonies in Trenton, I can assure all Canadians that our goal is to treat all fallen soldiers with treated with respect, dignity and honour and it is our intention to continue to ensure this policy is followed," said Natynczyk.
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Updated Thu. Apr. 16 2009 6:47 PM ET CTV.ca News Staff
Article Link
Canada's top military official has apologized for a decision which delayed the repatriation of a fallen soldier and reportedly prevented some of her fellow soldiers from taking part in the ceremony.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canada's chief of defence staff, also offered the family of Trooper Karine Blais his "deepest support" during their time of grief.
"I want to offer my sincerest apologies to anyone who may have been offended by the decision to return troops to Ottawa prior to the final repatriation of our fallen comrade Trooper Karine Blais," added Natynczyk.
The comments followed a controversial -- and unusual -- decision to first drop off 117 soldiers at CFB Uplands near Ottawa before bringing Blais' remains back to Trenton for repatriation.
The 21-year-old soldier was killed in Afghanistan on Monday in a bomb blast.
"Having personally attended many Repatriation Ceremonies in Trenton, I can assure all Canadians that our goal is to treat all fallen soldiers with treated with respect, dignity and honour and it is our intention to continue to ensure this policy is followed," said Natynczyk.
More on link