Canada’s roll in resisting the Jihad (Islamic holy War) goes largely unreported in the American “drive by” media. Apparently, allies fighting the same Islamists that the USA is combating in Iraq, is not part of the story line. Another brave Canadian warrior sacrificed his life to keep the world safe from the Religion of Peace.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Quebec’s storied Van Doos regiment is mourning its first loss in Afghanistan after a young private who arrived in the country only three weeks ago was killed by a roadside bomb.

Pte. Simon Longtin, 23, was travelling in a LAV-III armoured vehicle when it struck an improvised explosive device.

Canadian soldiers exchanged fire with Taliban insurgents after the blast, but no other Canadian soldiers were injured and no Taliban casualties could be confirmed.

Pte. Longtin was evacuated by helicopter to a hospital at Kandahar Airfield, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

He is the first member of the Van Doos to be killed while serving in Afghanistan. The Royal 22nd Regiment, as it is officially known, took command of Canada’s operations in Afghanistan on Aug. 1.

“It’s like losing almost a brother. We’re like a big family here,” said Col. Christian Juneau, Canada’s deputy commander in Afghanistan. “We will mourn, we will pay our respects to the family and our fallen comrade, and we will carry on with the mission.”

Pte. Longtin, who hails from Longueuil, Que., was an infantry rifleman with Charlie Company, which forms part of Canada’s battle group.

Steven Harper the Conservative Prime Minister previously expressed Canada’s commitment to the mission and the soldiers who carry it out.

We are all deeply grateful to these brave soldiers who gave their lives so that the people of Afghanistan would have hope for a brighter future. I also send my sincerest wishes for a speedy recovery of the soldiers and Afghan civilians who were wounded in this desperate and cowardly attack.

Canada supports this important mission, and we will not be deterred by ruthless attacks by Taliban insurgents. The senseless killing of Canadian troops while they were conducting a patrol in the community and interacting with Afghan locals, including children, clearly illustrates the lengths the enemy is willing to take in their opposition to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the improvement of conditions for all Afghans.

All Canadians respect and honour these brave soldiers for their sacrifice. We will continue to support the Canadian men and women on the frontline who are ensuring that Afghanistan does not fall back under the grip of the Taliban.