Statement by Leader of the Official Opposition, Tom Mulcair, on the 72nd Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid

“August 19, 1942 will forever be etched in Canadian military history due to the tragic loss of life in northern France that day.

It’s hard to believe that it was 72 years ago today that nearly 5,000 Canadian soldiers landed on those beaches near the French town of Dieppe, to gather intelligence on the German defences facing England. 1,000 of our soldiers were killed on site, while another 2,000 were taken captive. Many of the survivors were injured in the raid.

I encourage you take a moment to pause in remembrance of these men, whose incredible courage would eventually help free Europe from the grips of Nazi Germany two years later. Despite the devastating human toll, it is thanks to these and thousands of others Canadian soldiers that we are able to live in a free society today.

Lest we forget.”