Mr. Speaker, the thoughts and sympathy of all Canadians are with the friends and families of the seven students of Strathcona-Tweedsmuir school in Calgary who died this weekend in a terrible avalanche.
Ben Albert was a scholarship recipient who played junior varsity volleyball and was in his first year at the school.
Daniel Arato had a great sense of humour and was known for juggling while riding a unicycle in the Terry Fox Run.
Scott Broshko was on a number of school sports teams and played in the school jazz and concert bands.
Alex Pattillo was an artist who performed in many of the school's musicals.
Michael Shaw was an accomplished sailor who was also on the junior varsity basketball and volleyball teams.
Marissa Staddon was a scholarship recipient who competed in the junior national skating championships, enjoyed mountain climbing with her father and played in the school band.
Jeff Trickett was an honours student who played in the school band and was an active sportsman.
Canadians feel the pain of the loss of these enthusiastic and accomplished young people. I ask the House to join with me in expressing our deepest condolences and regret at this tragic accident.