Mr. Speaker,
Today on Parliament Hill we are honoured by the presence of the Canadian Association of Fire
Chiefs from across Canada – the national voice for fire services. Many of them have
traveled great distances to inform members of Parliament of the successes and challenges of
the courageous men and women who, when called upon, put their lives on the line to protect
our homes and businesses, and save lives.
Firefighters increasingly face new dangers, such as new building materials that burn hotter
and faster, grow-ops with hydro bypasses, and meth labs.
Of the 108 thousand firefighters in Canada, 80 thousand in smaller, rural and remote
communities are unpaid volunteers. Firefighters demonstrate the pioneer spirit of community
that allowed our settlers to battle the dangers of isolation and extreme weather to build
this nation.
We salute all of the brave men and women that fight fires from Labrador to Oakville, Ontario,
British Columbia and the Yukon, for their dedication in the great tradition of public service
and sacrifice.
