Mr. Speaker, it was exactly one year ago today that I received the honour of becoming Canada's foreign affairs minister. I must say it was beyond my imagination at that time that one year later we would be sending Canadian troops into battle, but here we are.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence are in Halifax right now—I know that the leader of the official opposition and the leader of the NDP are there as well—to see off the three Canadian ships taking part in Operation Apollo, Canada's military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism.
The men and women who form the crew of the HMCS Preserver, the Iroquois and the Charlottetown and all Canada's Armed Forces personnel on land, sea or in the air are not only courageous men and women, they are trained, skilled, equipped and ready to do their duty for Canada and for our allies and partners who are depending upon us.
As indicated last week by the Prime Minister, this is certainly the first great battle of the 21st century.
I am certain that all members of the House and all Canadians everywhere will want to join with me in expressing our pride and sending our prayers to our troops and to their families as they set off to join this most important battle, not one against a country, not against a people, not even against a traditional army, but against the forces of extremism and fanaticism that have sought and are seeking to undermine our open and free societies.
We may all look forward to standing in the House again one day very soon to welcome them home, to celebrate their courage and to thank them for their sacrifice.