August 13, 2008

OTTAWA— My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were devastated to hear of the deaths of two Canadian humanitarian aid workers in Afghanistan. This sudden and brutal attack is another cruel blow to our nation as we continue to grieve.

Canada is recognized the world over for its compassion and generosity. Both humanitarian aid workers shared these values and their convictions motivated them to contribute to Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts and to help maintain the hope for a better future that is so needed in a country that has been torn apart by years of hostility.

It is in that spirit that Canadians humanitarian aid workers volunteer their time, resources and efforts, and work side-by-side with our soldiers to try to improve living and health conditions, advance education access, defend rights and freedoms, and lay the foundations of democracy.

On behalf of all Canadians, we salute the dedicated members of humanitarian teams who selflessly give so much of themselves in the name of humanity, and we mourn with the friends and families of those who have died in the course of their noble work.

Michaëlle Jean

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Media information
Marie-Ève Létourneau 
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