Mr. Speaker, there is an impressive number of seasonal festivals for the people of Mauricie to enjoy.
Although the federal government has shown absolutely no interest, the Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade Festival de pêche aux petits poissons des chenaux is holding its 77th annual tomcod fishing festival.
This type of festival is an essential way to keep people involved in the region, and the government has a duty to ensure its survival.
In spite of obstacles and a lack of significant funding from the federal government, Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade still welcomes visitors from across Canada who want to experience ice fishing in one of the oldest francophone communities in the country.
Today we pay tribute to the organizers of this festival, which is a cultural signpost along the winding Chemin du Roy tourist route.