August 9, 2014
OTTAWA, ON – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:
“For several decades, Canada has made important contributions to peacekeeping operations. National Peacekeepers’ Day provides Canadians with an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Canadian civilians who work in support of peace around the world.
“Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces have a long association with Peace Support Operations. Over the course of the past 60 years, the Canadian Armed Forces have consistently risen to the challenge of contributing and maintaining international peace and security.
“This important work does not come without sacrifice. We must always remember those who paid the ultimate price helping to bring peace to dangerous conditions. Canada's first casualty on a peacekeeping mission occurred in 1951, and since then 116 members of the Canadian Armed Forces, three members of the Canadian Foreign Service and two RCMP officers have died in far-off lands in the service of peace. On National Peacekeeping Day, we also recognize their service and commemorate their sacrifice.
“Canada remains committed to working with our allies and partners in the international community to preserve and promote a free, democratic, and peaceful world.”
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Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
Office of the Minister of the Department of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
