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Statement from David Swann on recent loss of lives in Afghanistan

The news yesterday of Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang and four Canadian soldiers’ death in Afghanistan has hit particularly close to home.

I’ve had the good fortune to talk and work with Michelle many times as she covered health issues in Alberta and experience her determination to get at the facts of each and every story. She asked all the right questions, sifted through the information with a commitment to the truth in complex situations of controversy. It stands to reason that she would take that same journalistic integrity with her to Afghanistan and find herself in harm’s way to get at the truth. Michelle was a wonderful and courageous woman and I, and my Caucus colleagues, will miss her greatly, as will all citizens who value journalistic integrity.

My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends, and also with the families of the as yet unnamed Canadian soldiers who were also killed. I extend my personal, heartfelt wishes of hope and healing to all.

David Swann, MD