Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on the Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid:
“On the night of August 18, 1942, the people of the occupied French port of Dieppe went to bed – unaware that their town would soon be synonymous with Canadian sacrifice and courage.
“In the early hours of August 19, the Allies launched a daring raid into northern France. The 2nd Canadian Infantry Division made up most of that landing force and would bear the brunt of the casualties that day.
“Over 900 Canadians were killed at Dieppe or died of injuries sustained in battle. Nearly 2,000 of our troops were taken prisoner and subjected to unimaginable conditions in Nazi captivity.
“The story of Dieppe is one of incredible loss, but also one of incredible courage. We are inspired by heroes like John Weir Foote, an ordinary chaplain with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary service aiding his wounded comrades under heavy fire.
“Today, we remember the bravery of Canadians like Padre Foote. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom, and those who were imprisoned for years behind Nazi barbed wire.
“We remember that the forces of darkness did not have the last word. Drawing on the lessons learned at Dieppe, brave Canadians would return to Normandy less than two years later – this time as victorious liberators.
“Lest we forget.”