CHRISTMAS GREETING FROM THE LEADER OF THE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION

Like so many families in our province, we look forward to Christmas every year.

It seems like that first snow flake is barely on the ground when our kids Megan, Colter and Faith become dutiful agents for Christmas – going through the Wishbook and reminding me that it really isn't too early to put up the Christmas lights at our home in Swift Current.

Like your family, we have developed Christmas traditions – some passed down from Tami's family, some from mine, and some all our own … like our shopping trip each year when the kids to pick out items for Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes … that is what Christmas is all about.

When I was trying to decide what I wanted to say in this greeting, I couldn't help think of several Saskatchewan families who are going to have a very different Christmas this year.

The families of Robin Cameron and Marc Bourdages – two RCMP constables who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people of our province and our country….

And the families of five Saskatchewan soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan: Corporal David Braun, Captain Nichola Goddard, Colonel Shane Keating, Corporal Bryce Keller and Master Corporal Jeffrey Walsh.

Each one a hero, they remind us of how blessed we are as citizens of a country free from war, a country where brutal acts of violence are the exception not the routine.

A country protected by women and men prepared to take the night watch while we sleep warm and safe in freedom and abundance.

These Saskatchewan heroes remind us of the words of the one whose birth we celebrate at Christmas from the 15th chapter of John, when Christ said "Greater love has no one than this, that they would lay their life down for their friend."

This Christmas there will be empty places at the tables and in the hearts of these Saskatchewan families.

Because of the kind of place Saskatchewan is they will have the love of family and the kindness of neighbours for their comfort.

But may they also know that all of us will take a moment's pause to think, to pray, if we are so inclined,

…and perhaps even to make a simple gesture of contact to let them know how grateful we are for their loved ones and how we are thinking of them this Christmas.

And so these greetings are meant for everyone, but I hope you forgive me to make a special dedication of this message to those Saskatchewan families who faced unspeakable loss this year…

I dedicate this message to the parents of our fallen soldiers and to Shane Cameron and Luca Bourdages – the daughter and son of the two fallen officers.

More than anyone they need to know our wish for them is the still timeless, the unchanging Christmas blessing for "good tidings of great joy that shall be for all people...for unto us is born this day in he City of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord."

From Tami, Megan, Colter and Faith and I, Merry Christmas Saskatchewan and Happy New Year to each of you.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ian Hannah Official Opposition Regina Phone: 306-787-4300