Mr. Speaker, it was 1874. The North-West Mounted Police, only one year old, was dispatched from Manitoba to points further west. The primary goals were to establish friendly relations with the aboriginals and to maintain peace as settlers arrived. Two hundred and seventy-five men, 114 ox carts, 73 wagons, 93 cattle, field artillery and agriculture tools were on their way to Alberta.
Now 125 years later this trek west is being re-enacted as a part of preserving the history of our proud police force. Saturday, just two days ago, the first contingent left Emerson, Manitoba. The northern contingent of this trek is expected to arrive in Fort Saskatchewan in my riding on July 23.
We are proud of our history and the RCMP which had its beginnings 125 years ago. Congratulations to the organizers and participants in this historic re-enactment. We look forward with enthusiasm to the excitement of this celebration throughout the summer.