Statement by New Democrat Leader Jack Layton on the death of a Canadian solider in Afghanistan

Today, combat engineer Sergeant James MacNeil lost his life in Afghanistan. The Petawawa-based 28-year-old was a proud Cape Bretoner and was known as a skilled engineer, who loved to make people laugh. He was killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol outside Kandahar.

It is with a heavy heart that I learned the news, and I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Sergeant MacNeil’s loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you.