Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the federal New Democratic Party it gives me great pleasure to rise to speak to today's bill about the Canadian horse. It was our hon. colleague of 20 years in the House, Mr. Nelson Riis, who spoke on behalf of the bill several years ago and said back then how pleased he was to be able to speak on the bill in order to move it forward.
I would like to bring attention to John and Ruth Ann Hart who live in the Margaree Valley of Cape Breton who actually breed the Canadian horse. They have several of them and are very supportive and proud of the fact that the House of Commons would take time out of its extremely busy schedule to debate a notion that is important to them because they would like to see the Canadian horse become a national symbol.
I say to my colleagues from the Bloc Quebecois that they have every right to stand up in the House and be proud of the Canadian horse. However they should be equally as proud to share that recognition with all of Canada and not just narrow it down to one area. Historically, the Canadian horse was found throughout the entire country, not just in one area. I plead to their good senses and to their great hearts and compassion to understand that by spreading the news of the Canadian horse throughout the country would do Quebec an awful lot of good in this sentimental argument we are having of where the horse should be.
Nova Scotia currently has over 56 of these fine animals to be found at Sherbrooke Village, Highland Village in Iona, Fortress Louisbourg and the Ross Farm. After a long absence from the province they originally came back to the Margaree Valley in 1987. One thing that has not been mentioned yet is that these types of horses were used to assist in the American Civil War.
It is imperative that we move on to the recognition of the Canadian horse, a special breed with a long history. The Canadian horse is extremely proud, tough, good-natured and strong in endurance. What better thing can we call Canadian than that? Mr. Speaker, I say without reservation that you will have neigh objection from this side of the House.