Mr. Speaker, the North Okanagan—Shuswap is an amazing place to live and work. It is amazing partly due to the variety of small businesses that thrive and support our local communities.
Whether on a snowmobile tour of the glaciers near Eagle Pass, or a scenic paddle on Kalamalka Lake; whether a grape grower, like Graydon at Recline Ridge, or a welder, like Wayne at Valid; or whether enjoying a Merlot on a wine tour with Mary-Jo, or a drink of milk with a dairy farmer, like Henry, we are part of supporting small businesses that keep our communities employed, fed, and sometimes wined and dined.
During Small Business Week, I salute the small businesses of the North Okanagan—Shuswap and encourage everyone to visit what I consider to be the best place on earth. Visitors may never leave.
On this, the one-year anniversary of my first full day as a member of Parliament, I thank again the members of the North Okanagan for placing their trust in me. I promise to uphold that trust.