Mr. Speaker, today on behalf of the House and on behalf of all Canadians we extend a very warm welcome to Governor Tom Ridge, director of homeland security for the United States of America.
President Bush created this office and appointed Mr. Ridge to that position. His responsibility will be to co-ordinate the security of the United States against all terrorist activities, and this is Governor Ridge's first visit to Canada. The budget yesterday clearly illustrates Canada's commitment to work with Governor Ridge in this important undertaking.
I would be remiss if I did not say that this was just an ongoing venture with the United States. Canada and the United States have worked very closely together since after the second world war with the Distant Early Warning line and working together with NORAD. This new undertaking is just another step in securing safety for the citizens of all of North America.
We welcome very warmly to Ottawa and to Canada Governor Tom Ridge.