Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the New Democratic Party I join with the other parties in the House in marking the departure of the Canadian naval task force from Halifax.
As we do our duty in parliament, faithful to the freedom of expression the Canadian armed forces have fought to defend in the past, we commend the men and women who are leaving Canada today for doing their duty. We know that in some ways the call to such an assignment is an opportunity to put training into practice and commitment into action. We also know that whatever challenge may be associated with such an opportunity is mixed with anxiety and the pain of distance from loved ones, a pain felt aboard ship and at home back at the base.
To the men and women of the forces and their families may we all pledge, despite whatever differences we may have, vigilance with respect to the prospects for peace, with respect to their need to be well equipped for the task, with respect to taking care of their families in their absence, and with respect to wishing that they all return to Canada safe and sound.
To this end the three NDP MPs from the Halifax area, the members for Halifax, Dartmouth, and Sackville--Musquodoboit Valley--Eastern Shore, are in Halifax today to participate in the farewell. We join with our colleagues in Halifax in their support for the men and women of the Canadian armed forces.