Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to talk about one of my constituents, who saved the life of a young boy.
Kirby Shafer, operations superintendent with the electrical department of the City of Medicine Hat, ran over to a young boy who had been playing with friends at an ice rink. The boy was clearly unable to breathe due to the fact that he had swallowed a large candy. When Kirby asked if the boy was choking, he gestured yes. Kirby did not even think twice. He immediately began to administer the steps of the Heimlich manoeuvre to the boy.
Thanks to his first aid training from the City of Medicine Hat, Kirby's actions meant that the boy made a full recovery in hospital.
I salute his bravery and his tenacity with this outstanding act. Kirby will be awarded with the Lifesaving Award from the Canadian Electricity Association, which is awarded to utility employees whose actions directly result in saving lives.
Congratulates to Kirby. He has done us all very proud.