Mr. Speaker, Manitoulin Island in my northern Ontario riding has a total population of about 13,000 people. Approximately half of that population, 6,000, are first nations people.
Ten years ago the mayors, reeves and chiefs of Manitoulin Island signed a friendship accord, which reads:
We pledge... To love and protect this Island and its waters To speak plainly of our hopes and to take time to understand when we cherish different dreams To comfort each other in our times of need To play together as we want To work together as we must To rejoice and respect our differentness To find strength to face our common goals To keep harmony by our respect for each other's ways
I want the House to join me in commending the leaders of Manitoulin Island for showing vision on behalf of their communities.