Statement By The Prime Minister Of Canada

January 14, 2010

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the death in Haiti of RCMP Sergeant Mark Gallagher:
 
“It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the death of RCMP Sergeant Mark Gallagher, a member of Canada’s Civilian Police contingent in Haiti.  The discovery of Sgt. Gallagher confirms our worst fears that he was trapped in the rubble of his collapsed residence in Port-au-Prince.
 
“Sgt. Gallagher was one of almost 100 brave Canadian police officers currently part of the UN mission in Haiti.  These men and women have left the comfort of their homes and families to dedicate themselves to providing a better future to one of the poorest countries in this hemisphere.  This is the first time that a serving Canadian police officer has been killed on active duty in an international peacekeeping operation.
 
“Laureen and I extend our deepest sympathies to Mark’s wife Lisa and their two children Shane and Heather.  We continue to pray that searchers will find RCMP Superintendent Doug Coates alive.  And we thank those Canadian police officers who remain in Haiti for their ongoing efforts to help in this tragic episode in the country’s history.”