January 13, 2006 - The National Council of Veteran Associations today issued a statement calling on the Liberal government to withdraw the TV commercial in Quebec which suggests that statements by Stephen Harper would lead to armed soldiers patrolling the streets of Canadian cities.

Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of NCVA, stated that, according to his information, the offensive TV ad had been discontinued in English Canada but was continuing to be used through French television outlets.

His 55-member umbrella group representing ex-military in Canada expressed concern that the misleading comments regarding prior statements by Mr. Harper concerning the role of the Armed Forces could, in particular, injure the reputation of Canada’s soldiers among the French-Canadian population.

Moreover, Chadderton commented that the interpretation placed by the Liberals upon statements of Mr. Harper could be particularly ruinous to the morale of French-speaking troops, who have done much to promote Canada’s peacekeeping reputation.

Chadderton said further that Prime Minister Martin’s comment that the offending English TV spot would be rendered ineffective, as it had been withdrawn, was an insult to all Canadians.

Chadderton stated: “The Liberals seem to be compounding the error by leaving the statement in circulation in such manner as it would be interpreted as applying only to French-speaking military.”

The NCVA Executive suggested that the Liberals could make a bad situation worse by leaving the French ad in circulation.

Chadderton added: “Surely the highly-paid spin doctors involved in the Martin campaign would be aware that pulling the offensive ad might well lead to further exposure. Obviously they would recognize that it would be used by mainstream media, even though it was cancelled as part of the TV ad campaign.”