Mr. Speaker, today marks the 80th anniversary of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
Over the last 80 years the CNIB has worked tirelessly to improve the conditions of the blind, to prevent blindness and to promote sight enhancement services.
Through its work at home and abroad, the CNIB has made a positive difference in the lives of the blind, visually impaired and deaf-blind persons.
In recognition of this, in 1996 CNIB President Dr. E.J. Herie was elected president of the World Blind Union which consists of both service providers and consumer organizations. The WBU brings under its umbrella 150 million blind and visually impaired persons in 160 countries.
I am proud that the CNIB Ottawa office is located in my riding. Today I would like to recognize Mr. Garrick Homer, chairman, and Dr. Euclid Herie, president and chief executive officer, for their hard work and dedication to this issue. Congratulations on a job well done.