Statement made on 10 February 2011 by Senator Roméo Dallaire
Hon. Roméo Antonius Dallaire:
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. In Afghanistan today, 14 family members of nine soldiers killed in combat are visiting Kandahar. Families find it very moving to be able to visit the place where their loved ones spent their final days.
Since 1997, it has been the policy of the Canadian Forces to repatriate the bodies of soldiers killed overseas. The soldiers' bodies are brought home, but the families' attachment to the battle sites is also very important. It was announced today that next month will be the last opportunity for relatives to travel to the area to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Can the Leader of the Government confirm that all families who have lost loved ones in action will have the opportunity to decide whether or not they would like to go to Kandahar to take part in such a memorial for their loved ones?
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