Statement made on 01 November 2006 by Senator Lucie Pépin (retired)
Hon. Lucie Pépin:
Honourable senators, as we mentioned yesterday, a contingent of 76 soldiers from Valcartier left Quebec City last Monday, on their way to Afghanistan. These soldiers will join some 3,000 soldiers, sailors and Air Force members who are already serving on missions somewhere around the world.
Our armed forces are called upon more and more to endure very difficult conditions. This situation causes increased stress on Canadian Forces members, as well as on their families, who must now go through even longer periods of separation.
More than ever before, given the dangerous context of the missions, support for the families is extremely important, especially because, without the moral support of their families, our soldiers could not properly carry out their tours of duty. I am sure that all senators are proud of our Canadian Forces members and wish only to demonstrate their pride. Personally, I believe that one of the best ways to back our soldiers is by supporting the partners they have left behind.
As I have previously stated in this chamber, we recognize that all our soldiers' spouses are heroes, just as our soldiers are heroes. We do not say much about these women when we talk about the Canadian Forces, but they are there always at their spouse's side.
These women are just as dedicated to the Canadian Forces. Their lives, too, are shaped by the military, with its frequent moves and a lifestyle a world apart from that of civilians. These women and their children live in unique circumstances and must often face numerous financial, professional, personal and emotional challenges.
These past years, I have noticed the remarkable courage of military spouses, especially when their partners are on missions overseas. During this period, their days are filled with the anguish of knowing their spouses are facing danger. Without complaint they strive forward beyond the debates, rumours and comments linked to the deployment of their spouses overseas.
Honourable senators, I invite you to show your support for the spouses and children of our soldiers every time you have the opportunity. There are many ways to help families feel they are not alone. One of the best ways is to tell them how much we appreciate their sacrifice and to let them know we recognize that they do not have an easy life.
Honourable senators, we ask a lot of our troops. In turn, they ask that during these difficult times, Canadians stand not only behind them, but beside their families.
Support our troops by supporting military families.