May 18, 2010 

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the death of Colonel Geoff Parker

OTTAWA—We find ourselves once again mourning a tragic loss in the space of just a few days. It is with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death in Afghanistan of another member of the Canadian Forces, Colonel Geoff Parker from the Royal Canadian Regiment, working at Land Force Central Area Headquarters.

He was killed when a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb in the heart of the capital, Kabul. Five American soldiers and civilians were also killed in this despicable attack, which injured dozens more.

This barbaric act of aggression in the middle of rush hour reminds us of the many dangers our brave military personnel and the Afghan population are exposed to every day. Despite this tragedy, the will of Colonel Parker’s brothers- and sisters-in-arms to protect the Afghan people remains unshaken. Together with NATO forces, they are fully committed to fulfilling their difficult mission of restoring justice and peace to a country ravaged by decades of oppression and injustice. 

We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Colonel Parker; to his colleagues, who are grappling with this immense and unjust loss of one of their own; and to all those mourning the other victims of this terrible attack. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those who were injured. Our thoughts are with you at this time. 

Michaëlle Jean

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Media Information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
meletourneau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca