NEWS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE
************************* Statement by the Prime Minister on the deaths of Sergeant Darcy Tedford and Private Blake Williamson
October 15, 2006 Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the deaths of Sergeant Darcy Tedford and Private Blake Williamson:
"It is with great sorrow that I extend my condolences to the loved ones of Sergeant Darcy Tedford and Private Blake Williamson on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians.
"Sergeant Darcy Tedford and Private Blake Williamson were killed on October 14 when their unit was attacked by insurgents near the new roadway project in the Panjwayi area of Afghanistan.
"This road is being built by the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team and other Canadian units in partnership with Afghan officials, and is part of the ongoing development and reconstruction process that Canada is engaged in.
"It is with courage and heroism that Sergeant Darcy Tedford and Private Blake Williamson have sacrificed their life to bring stability, democracy and peace in Afghanistan.
"Three Canadian soldiers were also injured in the same incident. I know the prayers and thoughts of all Canadians are with their family and friends during this sad and difficult time.
"The Government of Canada stands proudly with our men and women of the Canadian Forces, as they devotedly continue this mission to help Afghans establish a better life for themselves, while also protecting us from the global threat of terrorism."
************************* Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the deaths of Sergeant Darcy Scott Tedford and Private Blake Neil Williamson OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (Oct. 15, 2006) - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of Sergeant Darcy Scott Tedford and Private Blake Neil Williamson:
"The Canadian Forces mourn the deaths of Sergeant Darcy Scott Tedford and Private Blake Neil Williamson who paid the ultimate sacrifice yesterday in Afghanistan.
"No words can express the grief of family and friends when loved ones are lost.
"My heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Sergeant Tedford and Private Williamson. We also hope for a speedy recovery of those injured today.
"Sergeant Tedford and Private Williamson were killed when their unit was ambushed near a road development project in the Panjwayi area of Afghanistan, west of Kandahar.
"This road project is vital to local development and progress.
"The risks involved in our mission in Afghanistan are present, but the men and women of the Canadian Forces remain committed to the mission to help Afghan people establish a better future.
"Canadians support and commend their determination, and I am forever grateful for the sacrifice of Sergeant Tedford and Private Williamson."
Sergeant Tedford and Private Williamson were members of 1 Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario
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