Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I rise today to welcome a delegation from the Island of Kos in Greece.
Each year individuals whose roots stem from the Island of Kos gather to exchange ideas and put forth suggestions with a notion of making our world a better and safer place to live in.
This year they chose Canada. They have visited Quebec. They are now with us in the capital and will be in Toronto later on.
The Island of Kos historically is known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The delegation is lead by the three mayors of the island: the Mayor of Kos, Mr. Konstandinos Kaisarlis, his Deputy Mayor, Mr. Ioannis Vogiazis; the Mayor of Pili and Asfendou, Mr. Vasilis Hatziakoumis; and the Mayor of Antimachia, Kardamena, and Kefalo, Mr. Konstandinos Papanikolaou.
My paternal grandfather was born in Pili on the island of Kos and for me it is indeed an honour that I have the opportunity to welcome this delegation here today.
I say on behalf of yourself, Mr. Speaker, and all of my colleagues, welcome to Canada, kalos ilthate .