Edmonton, AB – Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre, returned to Canada today from a week-long trip to Afghanistan with the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan.
MP Hawn met with Canadian and Afghan soldiers as well as members from the Afghan National Police. He visited Sarpoza prison and Forward Operating Base Panjwai. In addition, the Committee held meetings with the Kandahar Government, Afghan MPs and Ministers.
“There was a strong message of progress and cautious optimism with a clear desire for Canada to stay in some capacity,” said MP Hawn.
MP Hawn was also in Kabul during the Peace Jirga. The Afghan peace conference has called on the government to take formal steps toward negotiating with insurgents. Around 1,500 delegates from across the country backed resolutions intended to lay groundwork for peace talks between the government and the Taliban and other militant groups.
Although there were reports of Taliban attacks, “they were greatly exaggerated and it was handled by Afghan forces with no serious threat,” said MP Hawn.
“The troops are doing terrific work and are making a real difference in the lives of the Afghan people. I know that Canadians are proud of the role that our troops are doing in Afghanistan, whether it is assisting in building schools and hospitals or providing security for their recent elections. The Committee worked very well and there will be some interesting discussion in days ahead,” said MP Hawn.