Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Canada's peacekeepers.
Since 1956 Canada has taken part in almost every United Nations peacekeeping operation. With good reason Canadians are proud of our participation in these forces. Since 1947 more than 90,000 Canadians have participated in peacekeeping missions.
As I speak more than 3,000 Canadians are currently deployed somewhere in the world as part of peacekeeping operations. These proud soldiers made up of part time reservists and full time regulars have given Canada a proud name in this sphere.
In the former Yugoslavia alone more than 2,000 Canadians are working in the most strenuous situations and are performing admirably under the strain.
Over the period of three years approximately 300 of the soldiers serving have been reservists. It is Canada's reserves that are demonstrating the ultimate commitment in the battles of patriotism and duty.
I salute the Canadians currently in peacekeeping operations. Canada's great traditions of patience, forbearance and commitment are safe in their hands.