Prime Minister's statement on death of two RCMP officers

NEWS RELEASES

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

*************************** Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of two RCMP officers

July 16, 2006 Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the death of RCMP constables Marc Bourdages and Robin Cameron. Constable Cameron died in hospital late yesterday evening, and Constable Bourdages died in hospital early this morning, as a result of injuries sustained from gunshot wounds on Friday, July 7 during a pursuit near Mildred, Saskatchewan.

"Today, on behalf of all Canadians, I wish to pay tribute to both Marc Bourdages and Robin Cameron. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their fellow Canadians.

"Constable Bourdages and Constable Cameron have been members of our national force for five-and-a-half and five years respectively. Throughout their careers, both officers brought a level of professionalism, commitment and courage that was admired and respected by their colleagues, friends and the lives of other Canadians they touched.

"I express my sincere condolences to the families, friends and fellow colleagues of these brave officers who have been touched by this terrible tragedy. This is truly a sad day for all Canadians.

"This tragic event is a sad reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who serve in our national police force and all those who dedicate their lives to protecting our country and our communities, often working under extreme circumstances, and in conditions of great danger.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones in this, their time of need."

*********************** Death of RCMP members

Saskatchewan RCMP and the Cameron and Bourdages families are saddened to report the deaths of Constable Marc Bourdages and Constable Robin Cameron of the Spiritwood RCMP Detachment.

Robin Cameron died Saturday evening at 11 p.m. and Constable Marc Bourdages at approximately 1:15 this morning.

Both died as a result of severe head injuries sustained in a shooting incident on Friday, July 7.

Robin and Marc received excellent medical care, however, they have succumbed to their injuries.

Marc was 26 years old, married to a fellow RCMP officer and the father of a nine-month-old boy.

Robin was 29 years old and a single mother to an 11-year-old girl.

The families, everyone in the RCMP and the community of Spiritwood are grieving this loss.

Saint Eustache, Quebec, Marc's home town, and Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation, where Robin grew up, are also mourning.

We are all tremendously saddened by today's news.

Marc and Robin were dedicated and much loved members of our RCMP family.

We will continue to support both families through this difficult time.

There will be regimental funerals and those arrangements are underway.

Robin and Marc will never be forgotten and their sacrifice is something we all honour on behalf of the Canadians we serve.

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