Mr. Speaker, this is heritage week in Canada and the theme is honouring Canadian heroes.
I would like to highlight three such heroes in my community of Kitchener Centre. Michael Hildebrand, a Grand River math teacher, will be receiving an award from the governor general for bravery for protecting an 11 year old boy from a black bear attack 18 months ago in Algonquin Park.
The congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and the Reverend Grant McDonald this week received a downtown leadership award for their work in the core of our city.
Jessica Smith is an 11 year old who is battling bone cancer in our community. Her good spirits and good humour prove that she is not only a fighter but also a hero.
It is my pleasure to acknowledge these heroes in my community. They are Canadians who are making a difference.