Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great Canadian, Carol Anne Letheren.
Carol Anne had been chief executive officer of the Canadian Olympic Association since 1994 and had served as a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1990.
Colleagues remember Carol Anne for personifying the Canadian Olympic values of excellence, respect, fairness, teamwork, fun and leadership. Her life embodied a commitment to the benefits of sport, from its value in developing a sense of fair play to its role in the nation's health.
During her career, Carol Anne worked tirelessly to increase the role and level of participation of women in sport, not only as athletes but also as coaches and administrators.
She will be remembered as an energetic, courageous leader with a clear vision, who encouraged and inspired others to follow her lead.
I ask all parliamentarians to join me in expressing our sorrow to Carol Anne's family and friends and in honouring an exceptional Canadian sports ambassador.