Mr. Speaker, last fall all sides of the House rose together to give a standing ovation to John and Jesse Davidson on the completion of their long summer journey.
With the more than $1 million they raised, the Foundation for Gene and Cell Therapy has been established to promote research into genetic disease.
I am pleased to report that on May 20, 1996 at the first annual family day to celebrate Jesse's journey in Springbank Park in London, an agreement was signed by the foundation and the Medical Research Council of Canada.
Nine post-doctoral Jesse Davidson research fellowships will be established. The Medical Research Council will provide some matching funds to the foundation and will contribute its expertise in the selection and awarding of the fellowships.
Most important, this could not have been accomplished without the thousands of Canadians who gave their heartfelt support to a courageous young man.
To Jesse and John Davidson and to all those who gave so generously to this cause, our heartfelt thanks and gratitude.