News Release
News Release
Name of Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan released
CEFCOM/COMFEC NR–08.006 - January 24, 2008
OTTAWA – Killed yesterday in Afghanistan was Sapper Étienne Gonthier, 21 year old, of 5th Combat Engineer Regiment based in Valcartier (Québec). He was part of a team of sappers conducting route clearance ahead of a convoy in the Panjwaiyi District.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sapper Gonthier , and with his comrades in Afghanistan who remain committed to helping Afghans improve their living conditions and build a free and democratic society.
The courage and dedication demonstrated by Sapper Gonthier in his efforts to assist the Afghan national security forces represent Canadian values in the finest tradition. He will be greatly missed.
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Note to Editors/News Directors:
A photograph of Sapper Gonthier is available on the Canadian Forces Image Gallery.
MND's Statement
Statement
Statement by the minister of National Defence on the death of one Canadian soldier in Afghanistan
NR–08.006 - January 24, 2008
OTTAWA - 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 in Afghanistan:
"It is with great sadness I learned yesterday of the death of Sapper Étienne Gonthier in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are also with his two comrades who were also injured in the explosion. Friends and families are foremost in our thoughts in these trying times.
Our Canadian Forces are making an immense sacrifice to bring security, democracy and self-reliance to the people of Afghanistan while protecting Canada’s values and security.
These brave soldiers were part of a convoy traveling through the Panjwayi District of Kandahar Province. Efforts in this region are aimed at creating the conditions for reconstruction and development efforts to flourish in a country ravaged by decades of conflict.
The United Nations-mandated mission is making a difference in Afghanistan and we stand proudly with our Canadian Forces members as they strive to bring safety and stability back to people of Afghanistan.
Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
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Sapper Étienne Gonthier, 21, was a member of the 5e Régiment du génie, based in Valcartier, Quebec.