Madam Speaker, I note that all of us as MPs enjoy our time in our riding and, while many events come to mind from this past summer, I want to pay special recognition to a 4-H group in New Brunswick and a tremendous leader.
Having had a chance to visit many local 4-H achievement days and act as a judge during the provincial competition, there is no doubt that we have a group of young citizens focused on creating a positive environment in their schools and in their communities.
What made this year's provincial show bittersweet was the passing of Arthur Versloot, a well-known dairy farmer from Keswick Ridge who was taken from us by accident at far too young an age just before the provincial show. Arthur will be remembered for his contribution to family, community and to 4-Hers as a kind mentoring leader. He will certainly be missed by those of us who got to know him for his various endeavours and we know the gap that has been created with his passing.
In spite of all this, the young people forged ahead, readied themselves for the show and, in true 4-H spirit, competed in the most statesmanlike fashion.
We will certainly miss Arthur. His efforts on behalf of young 4-Hers will live on for many years to come. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Karen, and the entire Versloot family.