Mr. Speaker, I stand today to congratulate North Bay on being chosen as Hockeyville 2007.
North Bay was one of five finalists vying for the coveted title, which was announced during the CBC'S Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on Saturday evening.
North Bay's entry in the competition was spearheaded by Chris Dawson and showcased the Canadian Pond Hockey Face-off and Tom Hedican's Coach for Food Program.
People throughout Nipissing--Timiskaming and from across Canada demonstrated overwhelming support for the North Bay entry and it was thanks to their online votes that the community was crowned Hockeyville 2007.
The award is more than just a title. North Bay will play host to an NHL exhibition game, the community will be featured in a CBC television Hockeyville special and Memorial Gardens in North Bay will receive $50,000 in arena upgrades.
On behalf of all hon. members, I wish to thank Chris Dawson, the committee that organized North Bay's entry, as well as the countless people who endorsed the bid.
I congratulate North Bay, as it truly is Canada's Hockeyville.