Mr. Speaker, my constituency of Kelowna has been tested severely this summer. The driest weather on record resulted in devastating fires which have scarred our community. The financial and emotional toll has been heavy. But times of such crises expose the best of a community and today I wish to pay tribute to the people of Kelowna.
For their community leadership, I pay tribute to Kelowna Fire Chief Gerry Zimmermann; Ron Mattiussi, Director of Kelowna's Emergency Operations Centre; and Mayor Walter Gray. For their bravery and heroic efforts, I wish to thank the firefighters and the Canadian armed forces. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel toward those who helped save our houses and property.
For their courage and humanity, I pay tribute to the people of Kelowna. In the midst of uncertainty, people went out of their way to help each other. The fires have been destructive, but we have learned that we can count on each other to get through the most challenging crises. In this way we have gained more than we have lost.