Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great Canadian, a towering figure in Canadian sports and a true humanitarian: W.D. “Bill” Hunter.
Tomorrow Mr. Hunter will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his tremendous lifetime contribution to both professional and amateur sports, particularly the great Canadian game of hockey.
A “Hound” of Pere Murray's Notre Dame college, Bill Hunter was a key founder of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the Western Hockey League and the World Hockey Association which led to the hugely successful expansion of the NHL. He has owned, managed and coached numerous successful sports franchises including the Edmonton Oilers which he prepared for its glory years.
Bill is also a passionate Canadian patriot, having fought during World War II as a fighter pilot in the RCAF and contributed to Canadian society through his leadership in business and charitable endeavours. In recent years Bill has continued to show his greatness of character and largeness of life in a tenacious battle against cancer.
On behalf of the whole House I wish Bill and his wife Vi hearty congratulations on yet another recognition of his lifelong contribution to the country that he loves.