Mr. Speaker, heroes seldom enter into our everyday lives but when they do their actions leave a deep impact upon our families, communities and country.
Alyson King, a Chilliwack, B.C. grade seven teacher, is such a hero. Two days ago, while leading a group of her students on a camping trip near Stave Lake, cries were heard coming from the frigid water. Two boaters and their baby daughter had capsized their canoe.
Selflessly, Alyson dove into the icy lake, swam 100 metres out to the frantic victims and brought them to shore. The hypothermic canoeists had been in the water for 30 minutes. The students were also involved as they gave their sleeping bags, blankets and sweatshirts to warm the freezing family until help arrived. Alyson said of the victims “They were just people. We're all equal. For me that was a big thing. I just wanted to help”.
I say this to Alyson King and her students. Their courage has inspired us. Their compassion has made us proud. Their selflessness has saved a family. They are true Canadian heroes.