News Room
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the death of two Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan
NR - 10.071 - June 26, 2010
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of two Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan:
"We grieve the loss of Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller who died yesterday in Afghanistan. These soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Southern Kandahar. This is a tragic loss for Canada and for the Canadian Forces.
My heartfelt sympathies are with the families and loved ones of these brave soldiers, who should be proud of the selfless sacrifice made by Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller.
Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller gave their lives helping to create the secure conditions needed for reconstruction efforts and continued progress in Afghanistan.
Canada's participation in this United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission is a true reflection of our values. We will not deter from helping those in need. Afghans are re-building their country and their communities, living conditions are improving.
I join with Canadians, and the Government of Canada, in supporting our troops who are helping create a better future for the Afghan people. We will honour the sacrifice of these brave soldiers by continuing our efforts to build a safe and secure Afghanistan.”
Deaths of Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller
June 26, 2010
Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the deaths of Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller
OTTAWA—It is with profound sadness and regret that my husband, Jean Daniel Lafond, and I have learned the tragic news that two more Canadian soldiers have died Saturday in Afghanistan. Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht from 1 Canadian Field Hospital, based in Petawawa, Ontario, and Private Andrew Miller from 2 Field Ambulance, based in Petawawa, Ontario, were killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Southern Kandahar.
Needless to say, the family, loved ones, friends and colleagues of Master Corporal Giesebrecht and Private Miller are in a state of shock and completely devastated by this news. We have not forgotten them and we offer them our deepest condolences. May they know that Canadians across the country grieve with them.
We recognize the valour, heroism, courage and undeniable generosity of heart of this man and woman. Motivated by a deep desire to do their part in the difficult struggle against the nameless violence, terror and injustice to which the Afghan people have been subjected for decades, they have sacrificed everything and given their all.
Our soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world alongside NATO forces and under UN authority are responding to the call of duty, faithful to Canada’s commitment to serve the cause of peace and stability throughout the world. They merit our respect, our admiration and our gratitude.
Michaëlle Jean
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Media information :
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
jrocheleau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
26 June 2010
Toronto, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the deaths of two Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan:
“To the family and friends of Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller, who died yesterday while on patrol in Southern Kandahar, I offer my deepest condolences. Canada stands behind you in these most difficult and trying times.
“These soldiers served bravely while helping to build a stable Afghanistan. Our Canadian Forces members in Afghanistan daily face life-threatening situations that are created by an enemy who is working to undermine the building of a democratic and self-sustaining society.
“The courage and dedication demonstrated by Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller speak volumes about their pride in Canada and in creating a better country for the Afghan people.
“The commitment of our men and women in uniform is not diminished by these attacks. Their participation in the United Nations-mandated mission is a true reflection of our values: helping those in need and defending the interests of Afghan citizens.
“We are making a difference and the Government of Canada stands proudly with the Canadian Forces as they strive to protect Canadians, our interests and our values. This is a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces and all of Canada. Let us never forget Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller whose sacrifices served to bring hope to the oppressed people of Afghanistan.”