Mr. Speaker, my riding of Kamloops--Thompson--Cariboo is host to many wonderful events. Covering over 44,000 square kilometres, we are larger than some small countries and equally diverse.
During the most recent break week, I attended the Clinton Historic Ball. It is a tradition that dates back to 1867. This year's Mr. and Mrs. Clinton are Doris Ilingworth and Dr. Frank Campbell.
Up north in Clearwater, I rode a float in the annual May Day parade, followed by the grand opening of the 100 Mile House Emergency Services Training Centre.
In Kamloops, the South Central trucking and industry dinner and auction for Royal Inland Hospital was a great success. I opened the B.C./Yukon dog agility trials where over 300 dogs from across North America went through their paces. Parliament could take a lesson from their trainers.
I had the honour of reviewing the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Corps and visited with Chief Richard LeBourdais of the Whispering Pines Band prior to the opening of the Kamloops off-road track.
I pay tribute to all those volunteers and organizers who contribute so generously of their time and talent to make these events a success.