Afghan mission not deterred, recruitment to be sped up: Hillier [View All]

[tuvor]

The deaths of seven Canadian soldiers since the beginning of August are unthinkably tragic, but will not deter Canada's mission in Afghanistan, the country's top soldier said Tuesday.

"We know that risk is not reduced to zero," said Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier, speaking in St. John's.

"We've seen the results of that, particularly over these last two weeks."

Hillier attended a solemn ceremony in Trenton, Ont., Monday as the body of Cpl. Andrew Eykelenboom, 23, was repatriated.

Speaking to delegates to a conference of the Canadian Bar Association, Hillier said the deaths of Canadians will not prompt Canada to alter its course.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2006/08/15/hillier-cba.html