109TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION S. CON. RES. 109

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Whereas twenty-four Canadian citizens were killed as a result

of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the

United States;

Whereas the people of Gander, Newfoundland, provided food,

clothing, and shelter to thousands of stranded passengers

and temporary aircraft parking to thirty-nine planes diverted from United States airspace as a result of the

September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United

States;

Whereas the Government of Canada, as led by former Prime

Ministers Jean Jacques Chretien and Paul Martin and

continued by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has provided humanitarian, diplomatic, and security personnel

on the invitation of the Government of Afghanistan since

2001;

Whereas Canada has pledged $650,000,000 in development

aid to Afghanistan;

Whereas Afghanistan is Canada’s largest recipient of bilateral

development aid;

Whereas Canada has stationed approximately 2,300 defense

personnel who comprise Task Force Afghanistan, in

order to improve security in southern Afghanistan, particularly in the province of Kandahar;
 †

2

SCON 109 ES

Whereas Canada has over 70 diplomatic officers worldwide

who are dedicated to growing democracy and equality in

Afghanistan;

Whereas at least seventeen Canadians have made the ultimate sacrifice in operations in Afghanistan since September 11, 2001;

Whereas Canada’s commitment to the Government of Afghanistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamid

Karzai, was due to expire in February 2007;

Whereas on May 17, 2006, the Government of Canada led by

Prime Minister Stephen Harper requested that the Canadian House of Commons extend Canada’s commitment to

peace and security operations in Afghanistan;

Whereas on May 17, 2006, the Canadian Parliament voted

to extend peace and security operations in Afghanistan

until 2009, to increase its development assistance by

$310 million, and to build a permanent and secure embassy in Afghanistan to replace its current facility; and

Whereas this was an important sign of the renewed commitment of numerous United States allies to Afghanistan:

Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives

2 concurring), That Congress—

3 (1) commends the Government of Canada for

4 its renewed and long-term commitment to Afghani5 stan;

6 (2) commends the leadership of former Cana7 dian Prime Ministers Jean Jacques Chretien and

8 Paul Martin and current Prime Minister Stephen
†

3

SCON 109 ES

1 Harper for their steadfast commitment to democ2 racy, human rights, and freedom throughout the

3 world;

4 (3) commends the Government of Canada for

5 working to secure a democratic Afghanistan;

6 (4) commends the Government of Canada’s

7 commitment to reducing poverty, aiding the counter8 narcotics efforts through counterterrorism and

9 counterinsurgency campaigns, and ensuring a peace10 ful and terror-free Afghanistan;

11 (5) commends the Government of Canada for

12 its three-pronged commitment to Afghanistan: diplo13 macy, development, and defense; and

14 (6) expresses the gratitude and appreciation of

15 the United States for Canada’s enduring friendship

16 and leadership in Afghanistan.

Passed the Senate July 13, 2006.

Attest:

Secretary.
109TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION S. CON. RES. 109

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Commending the Government of Canada for its

renewed commitment to Afghanistan.