Afghan President Thanks Canadian Soldiers; Canada Pledges to Rebuild Their Military

Toronto Star-Canadian Press/TN : Sep 24, 2006
The Toronto Star/Canadian Press

"This government is committed to rebuilding the armed forces of Canada and we are overwhelmed with the support we are getting to do that."

Prompted by the wives of two Canadian soldiers, thousands attended a rally on September 22 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to support Canada's troops overseas. During the event, Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledged again to rebuild Canada's military.

Harper reportedly told a "rambunctious, upbeat audience" that they owe their freedoms to soldiers just like the ones who are fighting terrorism in Afghanistan today. "Let me tell you," he said, "this government is committed to rebuilding the armed forces of Canada and we are overwhelmed with the support we are getting to do that."

The rally came on the same day that Afghan President Hamid Karzai addressed a joint session of Parliament, noted the report, thanking Canadians for their efforts in the poverty-stricken country.

Karzai is said to have rejected arguments by NDP Leader Jack Layton that the Canadian troops should be withdrawn, saying that they're making a contribution to the security of both Afghanistan and their own country.