PM supports the Christmas Trees for Troop Families program

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you Vice Admiral Rouleau for your generous introduction.

Member of Parliament Cheryl Gallant,
Member of the Provincial Parliament John Yakabuski,
Mayor of Petawawa Bob Sweet,
Mayor of Pembroke Ed Jacyno,
President of the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association,
Larry Downey.

Thank you everyone for inviting me back to Petawawa. I was last here with Cheryl for a red rally in support of our troops, and I especially want to thank all the Canadian Forces personnel and their families who are with us today.

During my visits to military bases across the country and to our forces deployed around the world, I’ve been honoured to meet and been so impressed by the outstanding Canadians who keep our country strong, united, independent and free.

And I am equally impressed by the incredible support they receive, not only from their families but also from their communities, including special communities like Petawawa.

The Canadian Forces, and bases like this, are tight knit. They are an extended family in every sense of the word. As you know, last night this family suffered three terrible losses. I know this community will again, as you have in the past, embrace those families touched by the loss of these three fine soldiers.

As your prime minister I want to express my condolences to the family and friends of these three brave soldiers, but I never feel able to put the depth of my feelings into adequate words. These are special people who have put their lives on the line in the service of their fellow human beings and in their devotion to our country.

It is because of them, now and throughout our history, that we are able to celebrate our Christmas in such peace and prosperity. It is because of them that we have this wonderful country. It is their gift to us. Those who know them give them our love and tell them we will show it by loving and protecting our country. 

This Christmas some 3,500 Canadian forces servicemen and women won’t be home for the holidays. They include the troops serving in Afghanistan as well as those posted to over a dozen other overseas operations.

It’s tough for them to be away, especially at this time of year, but the thing we sometimes forget is that it’s hard on their families too – their spouses, their children, their parents. They feel their absence when the gifts are opened and the turkey is served. But they take great comfort in knowing that other Canadians are thinking of them.

That’s why the trees for troop families program of the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association is such a wonderful initiative. I salute the tree growers for offering to provide a Christmas tree to the families of every single Canadian forces personnel serving outside Canada.

It is a patriotic and genuinely kind gesture of support for our military families. It says thank you for the sacrifices you and your loved ones make on behalf of all of us. I would urge all Canadians to follow the example of the Christmas tree growers by doing whatever they can to support those military families who will be spending Christmas apart from their loved ones. Something as simple as a card, a cup of Christmas cheer, or an invitation to dinner will go a long way to easing their loneliness and assuring them that their fellow citizens truly care.

In that spirit, I am pleased to announce that our Government will provide an extra 35 minute phone card for all our deployed troops so they can talk a little longer with their families over Christmas this year.

It is more important than ever that our troops and their families know Canadians are behind them one hundred per cent. The members of the Canadian Forces today are the inheritors of a proud legacy – a legacy of sacrifice and courage. We are the beneficiaries of their legacy, and of the strong and peaceful land they fought for, and fight for still. It remains our duty as Canadian citizens to safeguard this inheritance and bestow it upon our children stronger than ever before.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God bless Canada.

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