Mr. Speaker, Silken Laumann says it was a nightmare and that she has been harshly treated. That is an understatement.
What happened to Canada's outstanding rower at the Pan-Am Games in Argentina was unfair, unjust and uncalled for. Let us hope that she was not a pawn in an international game of politics as is perhaps indicated by the premature release of her name before the official report on the incident.
Her story is already familiar to millions around the world. Silken Laumann came down with a cough and cold. As most people do, she took medication. She was told it was an approved remedy for athletes. That was wrong. It was a banned substance. Someone had goofed and it was not Silken Laumann. For that she and her team were stripped of a gold medal.
The Canadian Olympic Association will fight the disqualification. We think it should. Justice demands that Silken Laumann's name be cleared. Ms. Laumann is an honest competitor, known for her integrity and commitment to her sport.
We want her to know that all Canadians are behind her at this difficult time.