Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to acknowledge the accomplishment of a great Canadian athlete who became the first Canadian in 27 years to win the overall title at the world all around speed skating championships. She is Cindy Klassen of Winnipeg, my home city, who finished third in the women's 1,500 and 5,000 metres Sunday to capture the overall gold, and be crowned the most complete speed skater in the world. That is a signal honour.
Ms. Klassen was also second at the world spring championship last month and has won four World Cups so far this winter.
I am sure all members will join me in congratulating this young athlete for her great victory and in thanking her for bringing so much honour to Canada.