Mr. Speaker, not only is 2017 our nation's 150th birthday, it is also an important milestone for communities in my riding.
On January 1, the village of Thorsby was officially recognized as a town. As many rural municipalities are losing residents due to urban centres, I am proud to see the growth of this community and look forward to the positive impact it will continue to bring to the surrounding area.
Also in 2017, the town of Drayton Valley is celebrating its own birthday, marking 60 years. This town has been a leader in oil and gas development as well as a trailblazer in sustainability and environmental responsibility.
As we celebrate Canada's birthday, let us not forget the people and communities whose successes have made our 150th milestone a reality.