April 29, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued the following statement, on the occasion of the second Dag Hammerskjöld Medals Awards Ceremony commemorating those who have lost their lives while serving in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations:

"Peacekeeping is a reflection of our fundamental beliefs and an important aspect of Canada's national heritage. For over 50 years, Canada has actively participated in almost all United Nations military observation and peacekeeping operations, but this tradition has not come without great cost and ultimate sacrifice. The Dag Hammerskjöld Medals, being presented in New York today, will honour and pay tribute to the 104 members of the Canadian Forces and the four civilian personnel who have given their lives in the service of peace.

I hope the families of those men and women killed on peacekeeping missions can find comfort in the knowledge, that through this UN medal, the world has recognised their great sacrifice. Sadly, this honour also comes as Canada, as a nation, continues to mourn the loss of four other Canadian Forces members who have given their lives overseas while serving in the struggle against terrorism.

Let us also not forget that this medal honours the memory of a Secretary-General who himself lost his life in the cause of peace. I would also like to mark this occasion by re-affirming Canada's commitment to the United Nations and to pledge our continued cooperation in its efforts to build peace in troubled lands."

The Dag Hammerskjöld Medal was established by a resolution of the UN Security Council in July 1997, and serves as a tribute to the more than 1,500 persons from 85 countries who have lost their lives while serving in peacekeeping operations. The first three symbolic medals were handed out at a commemorative meeting of the General Assembly in October 1998.

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