"Stand By Our Troops" MP Hill Tells New Defence Minister

December 12, 2003

Calgary, Alberta – Jay Hill, Senior National Defence Critic for the Official Opposition, offered his congratulations today to David Pratt on his appointment as Minister of National Defence. 

“In the best interests of the Canadian Forces, I am committed to working in a non-partisan manner with Minister Pratt.  I appreciate that he has some prior experience and knowledge in his portfolio after serving as Chairman of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs. 

However, in the past, he has made strong public statements on controversial issues such as Canada’s involvement in the conflict in Iraq, only to bow to party discipline and not show up for critical votes.  

For the sake of the men and women of the Canadian Forces, I sincerely hope that Minister Pratt does not follow in his predecessor’s footsteps, so that when push comes to shove, he will stand with the troops rather than the PMO!”