PHOTO ESSAY - Brent St. Denis in Bosnia

Algoma-Manitoulin MP Brent St. Denis spent much of the past week in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he joined Canadian forces deployed as part of the Canadian Forces Parliamentary Program.

The following is the full text of a news release, accompanied by photographs distributed by St. Denis's office:

****************************************************************** St. Denis joins Canadian soldiers in Bosnia

From November 20 to 27, Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin, joined Canadian soldiers of the First Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the Canadian Forces Parliamentary Program.

"I have been impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the men and women of Canada’s military," said St. Denis.

"Their ability to help make and build peace in Bosnia is second to none."

Mr. St. Denis feels that by seeing what the soldiers are doing on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina will help him better understand Canada’s defence policy needs.

He spent the last week conducting patrols with soldiers all throughout the Canadian area of operations, which is about the same size as Prince Edward Island.

During patrols, Mr. St. Denis also observed Operation Harvests, when soldiers go door-to-door to collect illegal weapons, and to conduct a census to help monitor the return of displaced persons and refugees.

He has also accompanied soldiers as they met with Bosnian people, who spoke about their experiences during the war.

"It is obvious to me that the Bosnian people appreciate the Canadian presence here," said St. Denis. "Canadians can be proud of the men and women serving Canada in Bosnia and Herzegovina."

There are currently 1,450 Canadians supporting Operation Palladium, Canada’s continuing contribution to enforcing the peace in Bosnia.

The Canadian Battle Group, which is part of NATO’s multinational Stabilization Force, arrived in Bosnia at the end of September and will be in-theatre until the beginning of April 2003.

Supplied photos

Outside one of many destroyed homes in Bosnia A destroyed museum in Drvar, Bosnia The area around this former POW camp is all landmined Participating in a SFOR/NATO census Unexploded grenades recovered from fields With Billy Boulrice of Spanish