This is the wrong mission for Canada. It’s not balanced. It doesn’t represent the equilibrium between humanitarian aid, reconstruction and comprehensive peace process that Canadians would want to see.
Jack Layton, NDP

I can’t sleep again tonight. Had I not caught the word “Kandahar” on the news last night, I’d be fine. Four Canadian soldiers from CFB Petawawa were killed, and only two names have been released. I can’t remember if Bry’s name would be released immediately or not. I guess now I can see why they’ve never told me before, when he gets deployed.

I know he believes in his work, and I try to support him. I’ve had the healthy dislike for the Taliban just like most people, for years. I remember sitting, mouth agape, staring at pictures of the destroyed Buddhas. Reading of the conditions women are expected to live in. Back then, I never imagined that Canada would end up involved in a war with these people. Please don’t tell me it’s a peacekeeping mission. We all know better.

I can’t imagine having a brother, a sister or spouse deployed. Bry and I have only seen each other a handful of times since we hit adulthood. I just can’t get it out of my head that he shouldn’t be there. Really, none of them should be there….