Prime Minister Leaves Out Direct References To Afghanistan In Christmas Message
Monday December 25, 2006
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Stephen Harper's first Christmas message as Prime Minister was a lot like the man himself - short and to the point.
After offering greetings from his family, the Conservative leader takes a moment to recall the "brave men and women serving our country abroad and to their loved ones waiting here at home."
But he pointedly never mentions Afghanistan by name. So??
The ongoing deployment of Canadian soldiers there has threatened to topple his fragile minority government, even though Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe's threat to hold a non-confidence vote on the mission in the New Year seems less and less likely.
Harper also asks Canadians to spare a thought for the less fortunate, a frequent Christmas theme.
And he ends his greeting with a triumvirate of "Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Season's Greetings."
Here's the complete text of his statement.
"For many of us the holiday season is a time to take a break from our daily routines to be with those we love.
My wife Laureen and our children Benjamin and Rachel join me in extending our best wishes to you and your family for the Christmas and holiday season.
Christmas in Canada is a rich tradition - a time to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy the winter pursuits our great country has to offer.
For many, Christmas is also a time to reflect on our faith, to fully appreciate our good fortune to be part of a peaceful and prosperous country and to understand our responsibility to share our blessings with those less fortunate here and around the world. This holiday season, I would ask that we give special thought to the brave men and women serving our country abroad and to their loved ones waiting here at home. Uh....what do we call this...Afghanistan is not the only place CF is serving?
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Seasons Greetings, and best wishes for a healthy and rewarding New Year."
Monday December 25, 2006
Article Link
Stephen Harper's first Christmas message as Prime Minister was a lot like the man himself - short and to the point.
After offering greetings from his family, the Conservative leader takes a moment to recall the "brave men and women serving our country abroad and to their loved ones waiting here at home."
But he pointedly never mentions Afghanistan by name. So??
The ongoing deployment of Canadian soldiers there has threatened to topple his fragile minority government, even though Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe's threat to hold a non-confidence vote on the mission in the New Year seems less and less likely.
Harper also asks Canadians to spare a thought for the less fortunate, a frequent Christmas theme.
And he ends his greeting with a triumvirate of "Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Season's Greetings."
Here's the complete text of his statement.
"For many of us the holiday season is a time to take a break from our daily routines to be with those we love.
My wife Laureen and our children Benjamin and Rachel join me in extending our best wishes to you and your family for the Christmas and holiday season.
Christmas in Canada is a rich tradition - a time to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy the winter pursuits our great country has to offer.
For many, Christmas is also a time to reflect on our faith, to fully appreciate our good fortune to be part of a peaceful and prosperous country and to understand our responsibility to share our blessings with those less fortunate here and around the world. This holiday season, I would ask that we give special thought to the brave men and women serving our country abroad and to their loved ones waiting here at home. Uh....what do we call this...Afghanistan is not the only place CF is serving?
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Seasons Greetings, and best wishes for a healthy and rewarding New Year."
