Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight Heritage Day.
Heritage Day, the third Monday in February, encourages Canadian citizens to preserve and promote Canada's historic, architectural, natural, and spectacular heritage.
Outside the House we can see the magnificent and extensive work done to update and preserve the West Block.
Our Parliament Buildings are a national historic site and symbols of our cherished democracy. For this reason, and as a former parliamentary guide, I wish to recognize the efforts of the Department of Public Services and Procurement in rehabilitating and preserving our Parliament Buildings and our important heritage treasures for all Canadians.
I also salute the department's collaborative work with all of its partners, including the institutions of Parliament, in ensuring these buildings meet the needs of the 21st century.
As Canada's 150th anniversary approaches, I invite all of my colleagues to celebrate our heritage on Heritage Day.