Mr. Speaker, questions about Canadian identity and unity have been debated for decades, but such debates have little relevance to the daily lives of Canadians.
One reality in our lives is that at this time of year our children are heading back to ice rinks to play a game ingrained in our identity. It is fall and therefore it must be the start of hockey season. Clearly hockey is Canada's great unifying force. We have all just been reminded of the enormous pride we felt at Team Canada's great victory in 1972.
In backyard rinks and community arenas, people are lacing up their skates to take part in a Canadian tradition. Therefore it is appropriate to thank the dedicated families and volunteers who facilitate Canada's game, for they are the torch bearers of an integral part of Canadian identity, unity, heritage and pride: the game of hockey.