OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Aug 09 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and
Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the
following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier:
"On behalf of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces,
I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies to the family and
friends of Master Corporal Joshua Brian Roberts, who died today while
serving in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during
this time of grief.
MCpl Roberts suffered injuries following an engagement with insurgents in
the Zharey District. First aid was administered. MCpl Roberts was then
evacuated by helicopter to our medical facility at Kandahar Air Field.
Sadly, this brave soldier was pronounced dead upon arrival. Canada is
saddened by this loss.
This UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission is a challenging one, but the
Government of Canada and its allies are committed to helping the people
of Afghanistan after decades of war.
We are working with Afghanistan to help build a democratic and
self-sufficient society.
The sacrifice of MCpl Roberts towards this end will not be forgotten.
The circumstances surrounding the death of MCpl Roberts are currently
under investigation.
Master Corporal Joshua Brian Roberts served with the 2nd Battalion,
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba.
Contacts:
Information: 1-866-377-0811
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca
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