Honouring the Accomplishments of Canadian Soldiers

March 26th, 2008

Finally. The word is getting out.

As more and more Canadian journalists and entertainers make their way to Afghanistan, they are returning to report on the inspiring successes by our Canadian troops in helping the Afghan people rebuild their war-ravished nation.

This past Easter weekend, our troops in Afghanistan were entertained by “Team Canada”, comprised of, among others, Canadian music sensations Blue Rodeo and Jonas and NHL stars Chris Nilan and Bob Probert. Amid concert performances, ball hockey matches with soldiers and passing around the Stanley Cup, Team Canada, and the reporters that accompanied them, returned to Canada having received more than the goodwill they gave … a life-altering experience.

Observing Canadian soldiers in Kandahar, Sun Media reporter Lance Hornby wrote, “Homesickness was in their eyes, but never did they give the impression they'd rather be anywhere but this barren spot on the map, confident they are making a difference here for Canada and the world.”

Last week during one of my cherished opportunities to connect with my constituents on a House of Commons “break week”, I conveyed to members of the Prince George Rotary Club how much Canada’s mission has improved the everyday lives of the Afghan people. Not only is this issue the one I am most passionate about, I believe it to be the most important issue to face Canada’s Parliament.

I told participants at the Rotary breakfast of meeting the six Afghan female MPs who came to Canada and how I was struck by the courage it takes for them just to go to work everyday. One has a double to stay home with her children as a decoy for the Taliban, who are intent on killing her, while she sneaks out the backdoor to work. Her husband was tortured and murdered by the Taliban.

I told Rotarians of the grief shared with me by Afghan’s ambassador to Canada when he learned that two young girls had been gunned down in the street by the Taliban for attending school.

Today in Afghanistan, more than 6 million children, one-third of them girls, were enrolled in school versus 700,000 in 2001 – all of them boys. Plus, 83% of Afghans now have access to basic medical care versus a mere 9% in 2004. More than 5 million Afghan refugees have returned home since 2002 and 90% of them find jobs within six months of their return.

None of this would be possible without the presence of Canadian soldiers and the sacrifices they and their families make everyday.

That’s why I welcomed this week’s announcement by Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon and Defence Minister Peter Mackay that Via Rail will offer current and retired members of the Canadian Forces, the Reserves and the Department of National Defence free unlimited travel anywhere on VIA Rail’s network throughout July 2008. Plus, up to five family members traveling with them will get 50% off the regular fare.

It’s a fitting honour that will make it easier for our Canadian Forces and their families to see more of the remarkable country they've helped build and that they have committed to defend. For more information: www.viarail.ca/forces or 1-888-842-7245.