Dave Mackenzie Appointed To Special Committee On The Canadian Mission In Afghanistan

April 15, 2008

Ottawa, ON – Today, Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, attended the inaugural meeting of the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan. This Committee was formed as a result of the Afghanistan Motion that passed in the House on March 13, 2008.

“Canada, alongside our international allies is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan build a stable, democratic and self-sufficient country. Development and reconstruction work – the building of roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, for example – can only take place when civilian workers and the projects they are working on are themselves safe from harm. This is the secure space that Canada’s military and our international partners are there to provide.”

After the meeting Mr. MacKenzie expressed his enthusiasm for the mandate of the Committee.

“Prime Minister Harper’s participation in the recent NATO meeting in Bucharest sent a clear message that Canada, under the direction of the Conservative Government, is playing a leadership role in the defence, reconstruction and development in Afghanistan. I am proud to participate in this committee process. I am looking forward to hearing regularly from our Ministers, senior officials and others involved in the mission. Canadians should be proud that we are helping ensure a brighter future for the Afghan people.”