Mr. Speaker, with a heavy heart, Canadians' and over 400,000 Portuguese Canadians' thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by the deadly forest fires that have struck several parts of Portugal. We express our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
Devastating fires affecting the forests around Pedrógão, an area close to where I was born and have family, 120 kilometres north of Lisbon, have caused over 60 deaths and many injuries.
We thank our EU friends, and especially France, Spain, and Italy, for their firefighting assistance to the Portuguese authorities and people of Portugal at this time of need.
We commend the bravery of the firefighters and emergency services on the scene risking their own lives to save others.
Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa said, “The dimensions of this fire have caused a human tragedy beyond any in Portugal's recent memory.”
[Member spoke in Portuguese as follows]
Para Portugal, dos seus compatriotas no Canada, o nosso amor e simpatias.
[English]