Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish our troops well. They left Canada yesterday, and I wish them a safe return to their families.
I am proud to rise to pay tribute to Roméo Dallaire, who has received the first ever Aegis award presented by Britain's Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre. As a retired lieutenant general in the Canadian Forces, Mr. Dallaire epitomized Canadian values and devoted his heart, mind and soul to the attempt to ensure these values were reflected around the world.
As a commander of the UN forces in Rwanda in the mid 1990s Mr. Dallaire warned the world of the impending genocide and valiantly tried to prevent the deaths of 800,000 people. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan applauded Mr. Dallaire's efforts. Roméo Dallaire is also a recipient of the Canadian government's Meritorious Service Cross.
I ask the House to join me in congratulation Mr. Dallaire for the humanitarian actions for which he has received the Aegis award.