The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement concerning the attack on Afghan civilians in Kandahar today:

“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deep condolences to the families of the victims in today’s brutal attack in Kandahar, and I wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

“This was a cowardly and despicable criminal act, carried out by terrorists against Afghan men, women and children.

“Today’s sad events remind us why Canada is participating in the UN-sanctioned, NATO-led effort to help the Afghan people rebuild their lives and their country. Afghanistan cannot again become a base for international terrorism.

“Canada will continue to work with local Afghan authorities to provide security and stability. Canada’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan and their democratically elected government remains firm.”