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Saturday, 07 October 2006 |
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Mounting Afghanistan death toll the price of leadership, says Canadian Prime Minister from the safety of Ottawa
Harper with a message for Canadian troops
The mounting Canadian death toll in Afghanistan is the price of leadership that comes with playing a significant role in global affairs, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.
Appearing in Calgary to receive the Woodrow Wilson Award for public service, Harper said Canadians want a clear, confident and influential role in a changing, dangerous road. "A Canada that doesn't just criticize, but one that can contribute," he said. "They want a Canada that reflects their values and interests, and that punches above its weight."
Harper also said Canada is making a real effort on the rebuilding of Afghanistan.
"The Canadian men and women who serve there . . . have gone willingly, knowing that not all of them will return," he said.
Thirty-nine soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan since 2002.
Harper continues to defend Canada's Afghanistan mission in the face of growing concern at home over the rising death toll.
In Ottawa on Thursday, an all-party Senate committee said Harper should address the country on television in order to do a better job of explaining Canada's role in Afghanistan.
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