As thousands of Canadian men and women prepare to head overseas on active duty, Premier Pat Binns today offered a message of hope on behalf of the Province of Prince Edward Island to these servicemen and servicewomen as well as their families here in Canada.
"On behalf of the Province, I wish to extend the hopes of all Islanders for the safe return of all Canadian servicemen and servicewomen who are heading overseas on active duty as part of the international campaign against terrorism as well as those already serving overseas in peacekeeping details. Rest assured, you are in our thoughts and prayers," said Premier Binns.
As part of Operation Apollo, Canada's contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, the HMCS Charlottetown is being deployed to the Persian Gulf region to support existing Coalition naval forces in the area. Commissioned in 1995, the HMCS Charlottetown is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of approximately 240. Referred to as the "work-horses of the Navy," the Halifax-class frigates combine anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats and form a key component of Canadian Navy task groups.
The HMCS Charlottetown has a proud history of service to the Canadian Navy. A previous incarnation of the HMCS Charlottetown served with distinction during the Second World War and was sunk by enemy submarines while performing coastal defence duties in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 1942.
Premier Binns noted the connection between Charlottetown as the "Birthplace of Confederation" and today's efforts to protect freedom and democracy from the forces of terror. "Charlottetown holds a special significance to Canadians through its role in hosting the Charlottetown Conference in 1864. Today, as then, the name Charlottetown stands as a symbol of democracy and what can be accomplished when people work together to build the foundations of hope and opportunity in peace," commented Premier Binns.
As an added means of showing support to our military forces, Premier Binns announced that he has written to the Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, Rear Admiral Bruce MacLean, to officially offer the Province's best wishes. Additionally, a page has been established on the government website to allow Islanders to send electronic messages of support and encouragement to the crew of the HMCS Charlottetown. Islanders wishing to do so can send a message by accessing a link from the government website at www.gov.pe.ca.