Mr. Speaker, an Alberta boss has set a new standard for employer-employee relations. Norbert Reinhart, an executive of Terramundo Drilling, courageously walked into the jungles of Colombia and voluntarily gave himself up as a hostage. He placed himself in jeopardy in order to secure the freedom of his employee, Ed Leonard, who had been seized by Marxist guerrillas. Mr. Reinhart remained a hostage of the guerrillas for 96 days before he was released for ransom last month.
This Alberta businessman showed true compassion toward his employee and had the courage to risk his life for another's welfare.
Today we honour Norbert Reinhart for being a model of the values that build a strong, caring society and for being a true Canadian hero.