Statement made on 11 February 2009 by Senator Joseph Day
Hon. Joseph A. Day:
Honourable senators, my question is also to the Leader of the Government in the Senate. In particular, it relates to the upcoming visit of President Obama on February 19.
Senator LeBreton will know that the United States has recently announced an increase of between 20,000 and 30,000 soldiers to Afghanistan. The honourable leader will also know that the Vice President has called for NATO allies to increase their contribution to the NATO activity in Afghanistan.
Last week, there was a speculative article in the media that Canada would be increasing its contribution in Afghanistan from 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers. Most of us assumed that this article was based on a leak from the Prime Minister's Office, similar to the new manner of announcing the budget, where all the major features were leaked prior to the formal announcement.
My question to the Leader of the Government in the Senate is: May we expect the Prime Minister to announce formally Canada's increase in its commitment to Afghanistan when he meets with President Obama next week?
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