November 28, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Paul Martin today made the following statement:

“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my sympathy to the family of Clarence (Clare) Laking, who died Saturday at age 106 and was one of Canada's few remaining veterans of the First World War.

The sacrifices of countless thousands of Canadians who served their country in the ‘War to end all wars’, many who paid the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives, must never be forgotten.

A native of Campbellville, Ont., Mr. Laking enlisted at age 18 in the 64th Battery based in Guelph, serving two years in France where he saw duties on the front line as a signaller. In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Laking was awarded the French Legion of Honour and the Golden Jubilee medal. Following the war, Mr. Laking farmed in the Peace River region of Alberta and then worked in Toronto until his retirement in 1965. All Canadians are indebted to Mr. Laking. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”