Mr. Speaker, members of my family, like so many Canadians, maintain close ties with certain restaurateurs. My seven-year-old son thinks that a box of Timbits is a nice reward for working hard at his judo club in La Pocatière. When my wife and I have a rare evening alone, we often go out to one of the fine restaurants in Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup that offer delicious, specialized cuisines.
We have restaurant owners to thank for the many comforts and the joy of discovery that they provide. The thousands of restaurants offering Canadian, Irish, Asian, North African and many other cuisines have made our cities and towns so much richer and more attractive. And now the restaurant industry is moving fully into the 21st century. For instance, the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association just launched the “Conserve” program to help the industry improve its energy use and waste management practices.
To everyone who works hard to keep us fed, from early in the morning until late at night and on weekends, on behalf of all members of the House, please accept our sincerest gratitude.