Mr. Speaker, politicians are well known for sitting behind mounds of paper and bureaucracy dispensing advice to others. Seldom do they step outside their hallowed halls to feel the pain and also the joy of aching muscles and blisters from a physical day of hard work.
In my view it would be far more appropriate today if we had a framer, a mason, a steeplejack, a buggy operator, a labourer or a roustabout to offer a tribute in these halls.
I personally recall a powerful young mechanic severely injured by a propane blast that took his sight in one searing instant, leaving him disfigured and blind, his years of training made useless, his life's experiences suddenly only memories, his world a shambles.
Cliff and his wife never complain. In fact they are happy to have one another's love and support. Occupational health and safety are important. To Cliff and all his injured colleagues I dedicate this national day of mourning. To those less fortunate I offer a simple prayer.