Statement - Second Battalion PPCLI
October 30, 2007

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and honour that I rise today to speak about the brave men and women of second battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

In the new year approximately 800 personnel from second battalion based in CFB Shilo will be deployed to Afghanistan. Although PPCLI from our local Canadian Forces Base Shilo has been active in every deployment to defend the Afghanistan people, this is by far the largest contingent. They are preparing to play a lead role in the mission to rid the country of the Taliban terrorists and bring freedom and democracy to the people.

Much has been done, but there is much more to do and I salute these brave men and women of CFB Shilo, as well as all of our Canadian troops as they continue their work defending and rebuilding the war-torn country in their quest to bring peace to the people of Afghanistan.

On behalf of the people of Brandon—Souris, myself and all Canadians, I wish them all the best and a safe return.