“It is with shock and profound sadness that I learned this morning of the terrible tragedy that has today befallen the people of Poland. Canadians and Poles together are mourning the death of Lech Kaczynski, President of Poland; his wife Maria Kaczynska, the First Lady; and many senior Polish political and military leaders.
“President Lech Kaczynski's plane crashed while he was travelling to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre.
“President Lech Kaczynski was a man who stood proudly and defiantly for democracy and human rights through even the most difficult times. His sudden passing is a great loss for his country and for his many friends here in Canada, particularly within the Polish-Canadian community.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I wish to express my deepest sympathy, and my sincere condolences, to the Government and people of Poland on this very sad day.”
