Mr. Speaker, on January 7, fire destroyed the Pierre-de-Lestage high school in Berthierville, the county seat of the riding of Berthier—Montcalm, which I have the honour of serving since 1993.
This tragedy, which caused bedlam in our community, has seriously disrupted the lives of hundreds of students and their parents. In a spirit of solidarity, the community has pulled together to make it possible for the student body of some one thousand young people to complete their school year at the high school in Saint-Félix-de-Valois, L'Érablière.
Today I would like to draw attention to the courage of the students, parents and teachers of this school and the great spirit of co-operation from the institution in the neighbouring municipality which took them in the day after this sad event.
My best wishes to all students and staff of both schools for the rest of the school year, and congratulations on the spirit of brotherhood that has enabled these young people to continue their schooling with peace of mind and will therefore contribute to their academic success.