Mr. Speaker, today as we prepare for the upcoming festive season, I want to urge my colleagues from all sides of the House to take time in their ridings to make a statement about drinking and driving.
In 1972 I was the victim of a drunk driver and was very fortunate to survive on that occasion. The driver was 16 years old and I was his second victim that year. While I had a skull fracture, broken pelvis and other injuries, the previous victim was paralyzed. I use this example only to point out that drinking and driving must be eradicated.
As my wife and I attended the Mothers Against Drunk Driving memorial in my riding last weekend, I underwent two emotions: I was thankful I had recovered and I was deeply touched as each candle was lit representing a victim whose life had been taken by a drunk driver.
I urge all members to make a statement in each and every riding across Canada.