Harper offers Canada's condolences on the crash of a NATO helicopter

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the fatal crash of a NATO helicopter in Afghanistan:

"On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the brave U.S. service members and Afghan soldiers who lost their lives today in this terrible incident.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices that men and women in uniform continue to make in Afghanistan.

Canada will not waiver in its efforts to see Afghanistan emerge as a peaceful, secure and stable country that will never again be a safe haven for terrorists.

As we mourn this loss, let us be inspired by the values and courage of all those who work tirelessly to make the world a safer place."

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Earlier today 30 American service members died when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down while they were reinforcing other troops. Twenty two of the service members lost were Navy SEALS considered to be the 'best of the best'.