OTTAWA, ON -November 2, 2010- Today, Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, made a statement in the House of Commons on the 93rd anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.

“Mr. Speaker,

This year marks the 93rd anniversary of a significant milestone of the First World War: the Battle of Passchendaele. After the Canadian success at Vimy Ridge, it was decided that our soldiers would be sent north to Belgium.

After three grueling months under extremely harsh conditions, the Canadian Corps captured the town of Passchendaele on November 10, 1917. 4,000 Canadian casualties and nearly 12,000 wounded were left in the battle’s wake.

Canada’s success at Passchendaele added to our nation’s reputation as the best offensive fighting force on the Western Front. This monumental victory meant our military was at the forefront of the advance which eventually won the war for the Allies the following year.

The brave soldiers who fought at Passchendaele were among the more than 600,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who served during the First World War.

Today we remember the heroic and historic efforts of those who fought for freedom. Today we remember the Battle of Passchendaele.”