Mr. Speaker, last weekend, before an assembly of approximately 60 Canadian Rangers representing all Nunavik and Lower North Shore patrols, chief of defence staff General Maurice Baril presented a Canadian forces unit commendation to the 2nd Canadian Rangers Patrol Group.
The commendation was in recognition of the unit's humanitarian actions during the avalanche that hit the village of Kangiqsualujjuaq on January 1, 1999.
A Canadian forces unit commendation is normally awarded to any Canadian forces formation, unit or sub-unit that has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Many lives were saved through the efforts of unit members, who bravely ignored their personal safety in this potentially dangerous emergency situation.
They successfully dug out women, men and children buried under a building that had literally collapsed under the weight of the snow.
Words are not enough to express our deep appreciation for the actions of these brave and determined individuals. What they did is an example to all.