Statement by the Prime Minister on the passing of Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the passing of Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, it is with deep sadness that I send my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and comrades of Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca who was killed this morning in Afghanistan during a combined Afghan National Army and Coalition security operation.

“Our prayers are with the loved-ones of Corporal Boneca in these difficult times and we stand proudly as a nation knowing that his sacrifice was not in vain; that he laid down his life for the safety of citizens in both Canada and Afghanistan.

“On behalf of Canadians, I praise Corporal Boneca's courage and self-sacrifice and I take comfort knowing that his memory will live on in the spirit of fellow CF soldiers serving around the world, and in the hearts of his countrymen who pray for their safe return.

“As this tragic moment has illustrated, there are risks to our mission in Afghanistan and I want to thank the men and women still serving there for their unwavering commitment to their mission in spite of these risks. As a country we stand proudly behind you.”