OTTAWA – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian Forces member in Afghanistan:
"We grieve the loss of Sapper Steven Marshall who died today in Afghanistan. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends and comrades.
Sapper Marshall was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol west of Kandahar City.
This is a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces and all of Canada. The effort of CF members in this United Nations-mandated NATO mission is a true reflection of Canadian values: helping those in need and defending the interests of those who can't yet defend themselves.
Although the mission is difficult, real, measurable progress has been made in Afghanistan. Still, much remains to be done. It is only through the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of remarkable Canadians like Sapper Marshall that Afghanistan will once again flourish and stand on its own.
Let us never forget Sapper Marshall, whose self-sacrifice served to make life better for others."
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Killed in action was Sapper Steven Marshall, from the 1 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Edmonton Alberta, serving as a member of the Task Force 3-09 Battle Group.
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