Statement By The Prime Minister Of Canada

May 18, 2010

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier:
 
“We are all deeply saddened to hear of the death of Colonel Geoff Parker, a professional, dedicated Canadian soldier, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. Colonel Parker was killed today when a suicide car bomb detonated near an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) convoy in Kabul.
 
“My sincere condolences go out to Colonel Parker’s family and friends, who should be extremely proud of his honourable service to his country.  On behalf of Canada, I also extend my sympathies to the families and friends of the five American service members and numerous Afghans who perished in the same attack.
 
“Canada is in Afghanistan at the request of the democratically-elected Afghan government, as part of a UN-mandated, NATO-led mission to help Afghans rebuild their country as a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society.
 
“The Taliban have consistently demonstrated their utter brutality through their complete disregard for the lives of innocent Afghans.  This attack will not deter Canada from its mission to help the people of Afghanistan stand on their own in repelling the forces of extremism and international terrorism.
 

“Colonel Parker was a great Canadian who will be greatly missed by the Canadian Forces family and his community.  Canadians are proud of and grateful for his service and for the contributions of all our men and women in uniform.”