Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Edmonton following an incident in Afghanistan:
“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Corporal Darren James Fitzpatrick, who died Saturday in hospital in Edmonton, succumbing to injuries sustained in an improvised explosive device strike in Afghanistan on March 6. The attack occurred when Cpl. Fitzpatrick was conducting a dismounted patrol with his Afghan National Security Force colleagues.
“This incident is a stark reminder that the Canadian mission in Afghanistan is a difficult one, but the Canadian Forces are making a difference and are improving the lives of the Afghan people.
“The Government of Canada and all Canadians are proud of our men and women of the Canadian Forces who bravely give their all in support of this United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission.
“Cpl. Fitzpatrick is a Canadian hero and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
