2007-05 (May)
May 23, 2007
Canadians Making a Difference in Afghanistan
Prime Minister Stephen Harper took advantage of the brief Parliamentary recess to make a surprise visit to Canadian aid workers and troops in Afghanistan. In Kabul, he discussed details of reconstruction and development projects, including the development of critical water and sanitation, power supply, irrigation and health facilities. Then in Kandahar, he met with soldiers on the front line to discuss the progress that has been done and the work needed to build lasting peace and prosperity.
Canada is part of a 37-nation, UN-mandated, NATO-led military operation in Afghanistan. Like the other members of this international force, we’re in Afghanistan at the invitation of the Afghanistan Government, to help Afghans rebuild their country. Our efforts are improving the lives of millions of Afghans who have suffered from decades of war.
We’re helping them take their future into their own hands and we can all be proud of the progress that we have contributed to in Afghanistan. There have been 16,000 community development councils created through the National Solidarity Program, to which Canada has contributed over $20 million in the last year. That’s 470 community councils elected in Kandahar Province alone. These make possible development projects that are locally chosen, implemented, and owned.
In Kandahar, bridges have been built, roads paved, wells dug, and power lines strung. It’s called national solidarity because it encourages Afghans in small villages in the provinces to see that the national government is organized, capable, and actually making their lives tangibly better today. These are essential ingredients in long-term stability and prosperity for the country as a whole.
A new Afghan constitution established the rule of law and respect for the human rights of every Afghan citizen, including those of women and children. Women now have the right to vote and girls can now go to school.
The Afghan economy is growing rapidly. Thanks to our help, the country’s prospects are better than they’ve been in 30 years. The progress being made was unthinkable just a few years ago.
Canadians have already invested heavily in Afghanistan. Some people consider the cost of staying in Afghanistan to be too high but, what is the cost of leaving? All of the sacrifices to date would be in vain. All of the progress and reconstruction efforts would be lost. Millions of Afghan women and children would again be placed at risk in the hands of the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
This is not the Canadian way. Helping Afghanistan continues the noble Canadian tradition of taking an active role in bringing stability and peace to parts of the world that have seen turmoil and upheaval. Our troops and all Canadians in Afghanistan deserve our support as they work to bring security and democracy to that country.
For information on any federally related matters, please contact my Constituency office or web site: www.blainecalkinsmp.ca
P.S.: Did you know cell phones can be used to dial 911 even if the service contract has run out? Wetaskiwin & District Victim Services is collecting used cell phones for victims of domestic violence. Please drop donations at the Wetaskiwin RCMP Detachment or contact your local victim services to see if this service is available in your community.
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