Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the sentiments and the words of the hon. Minister of National Defence on behalf of the government.
Today is a national day of mourning. It is the second time Canadians have been killed in pursuit of a lasting peace in wartorn Afghanistan.
On behalf of the Canadian Alliance, as Her Majesty's official opposition, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and fellow soldiers of those who lost their lives this morning. I also wish to extend our sincere best wishes for a speedy and full recovery to those injured.
While we may have many questions surrounding this tragedy, today is not the day for them or for recrimination. Today is a day for mourning our loss.
When our Canadian forces personnel undertook this mission, they understood the risks and dangerous conditions in Afghanistan. However, no one can be truly prepared for the pain and grief felt by soldiers and the nation as a whole that they so proudly serve.
I want to close by once again offering the official opposition's most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families.