OTTAWA – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement regarding the introduction of two Canadian Armed Forces members who will participate in the Walking With the Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge:
“The Government of Canada, the Department of National Defence, and the Canadian Armed Forces are incredibly proud of our two Soldier On participants, Master Corporal Chris Downey and Corporal Alexandre Beaudin D’Anjou, who will represent Canada as part of Team Commonwealth in a historical expedition to the South Pole: The South Pole Allied Challenge. As Minister of National Defence, I continue to be impressed by the calibre of men and women who serve with Canada’s military.
“Our government continues to be highly dedicated to supporting Canada’s ill and injured military personnel and veterans, providing the care that they deserve. That’s why I am so grateful for the incredible efforts of Soldier On, a program that encourages ill and injured serving and retired military personnel to accept their new normal by re‑introducing them to a healthy and active lifestyle. I am equally grateful for the generous support of Canadians from across the country who have given financially to Soldier On and other Support the Troops initiatives.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our friends at the Walking With the Wounded organization in the United Kingdom for their efforts as organizers. Finally, I am also grateful to His Royal Highness Prince Harry for acting as patron and bringing further awareness to this inspirational expedition.
