Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Prime Minister David Oddsson of Iceland to our country. Prime Minister Oddsson is the longest serving prime minister among western countries today. He is an accomplished statesman, political leader and author.
Mr. Oddsson's four day visit will commemorate Iceland's unique historical ties to Canada. These ties stretch back l,000 years to the birth of Snorri, the first white child born in North America at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, 500 years before Columbus and Cabot.
These ties also include the founding of New Iceland in 1875 on the location of present day Gimli, Manitoba, and other settlements throughout Manitoba's Interlake region.
Today, there are thousands of Canadians of Icelandic descent spread across our country. I am proud to be one of them. My father came from there when he was 13 years of age.
On behalf of all members of this House, I welcome Prime Minister Oddsson to Canada.