Calgary MP pens controversial message for Canadian troops
Posted Jun 1, 2010 8:24 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
“When in doubt, pull the trigger.”
That’s the eyebrow raising message that Calgary West MP Rob Anders wrote in a card for Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
It’s left the opposition reeling and his bold message is not sitting well with many.
A Nova Scotia MP with the NDP, who is actively involved in veterans issues, says his initial reaction was a bit of a shock and then severe disappointment. Peter Stoffer said, “Anders could have picked a million other things to write.”
But the Calgary West MP doesn’t see what the big deal is. He tells the Calgary Herald, “it’s simply a common military expression, and it wasn’t meant to alarm anyone.”
It all began when a Christian group asked if they could leave the “Support our Troops” card in the lobby of the House of Commons for federal MPs to sign.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay wrote, “You all make us very proud. You are our Team Canada. Thank-you for your service. Come home safe.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper simply penned, “You’re the best”.
