Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the Death of Sergeant Prescott Shipway
September 7, 2008
OTTAWA— A Canadian family, the men and women serving in our Canadian Forces and the whole country are mourning the tragic death of one of our soldiers during his mission in Afghanistan.
My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are deeply affected by this loss and the pain that comes with it.
Sergeant Prescott Shipway of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, stationed in Shilo, Manitoba, believed whole-heartedly in the mission that he was chosen for. At the risk of his life, he worked to protect the citizens of this country torn by war, as well as for the values in which he believed. Sgt Shipway played a significant role by his mere presence in this conflict, and even more by the skills and the commitment he brought to the task.
No testimonial will ever be sufficient to express the gratitude we feel towards such a sacrifice and that of his brothers and sisters in arms. We will remember him and all of you who are still serving in Afghanistan remain in our thoughts.
We also wish a prompt recovery to the seven soldiers injured during this security patrol operation.
Michaëlle Jean
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Marie-Ève Létourneau
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
7 September 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of Sergeant Prescott Shipway who was serving in Afghanistan:
“On behalf of all Canadians and of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Sergeant Prescott, who died in the line of duty today in Afghanistan. Our thoughts also go out to his seven comrades who were injured in the same incident. We wish them a prompt recovery and are grateful for their selfless service to this country.
Sgt. Shipway was killed during a security patrol in Panjwayii District when the armoured vehicle his was riding in hit an improvised explosive device. These patrols are an essential part of providing the stability required to ensure that social and economic development can take place in Afghanistan.
The brave men and women of the Canadian Forces continue to face considerable risk promoting security, democracy and self-sufficiency in Afghanistan. We will continue to stand firmly behind CF members, Canadian civilians and our international allies as we work together to rebuild this war torn country.
Today, I join with all Canadians to mourn the death of Sgt. Prescott Shipway. The sacrifice he made to help ensure a brighter future for the Afghan people will not be forgotten.”
Sgt. Prescott Shipway was an infantryman with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Shilo, Manitoba.