8 June 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier:
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Jonathan (Jon) Sutherland Snyder, who died in a tragic accident while training members of the Afghan National Army in Afghanistan.
"On behalf of all Canadians, I offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Captain Snyder. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
"He will be remembered as someone who worked shoulder to shoulder with Afghans to help bring security and stability back to their country, a key part of Canada's focus on training Afghan forces. Captain Snyder's sacrifice will be honoured by Canadians and Afghans alike.
"Canadians stand by our brave men and women in uniform who continue to make a significant contribution to the United Nation-mandated mission to secure, rebuild and redevelop Afghanistan."
Captain Jonathan (Jon) Sutherland Snyder was a member of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta.
