Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to acknowledge and congratulate 10 outstanding women from the Waterloo region who were honoured in this past year's Oktoberfest Women of the Year Awards.
On October 18 we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Persons case, which allowed Canadian women to be members of the Senate.
On the eve of the next millennium, women across the country are ready, willing and prepared to ensure this nation's success far into the 21st century.
It is women such as the ones who were honoured last Thursday in Kitchener who make a difference, who add to the strength and vibrancy of Canada as a nation.
I acknowledge these women by name and category: Hilde English, professional; Corry Den Duyf, senior; Arleen MacPherson, humanitarian; Aneita Brown, homemaker; Catherine Schwark, employee; Gita Morar, community volunteer; Helen Jowett, entrepeneur; Yvonne Tousek, fitness and sport; and Cheryl Muranko, young adult. I congratulate these women.