Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight the 13th annual Emergency Preparedness Week. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies or accidents. This year, the objective is for citizens to be able to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.
In Quebec, civil security is a responsibility shared by citizens, municipalities, businesses and the government. On this occasion, I would like to pay tribute to the laudable and exemplary efforts of the firefighters, all members of police services, and the St. John Ambulance and Red Cross volunteers who help keep Châteauguay—Saint-Constant safe.
Our community is lucky to have such competent organizations to support and maintain its unique environment. Since it is Emergency Preparedness Week, let us take the time to honour the courage and determination of the members of these organizations and to thank each one of them for the work they do, which can often make a difference during the most difficult times.