Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the residents of Gogama, who are celebrating their town’s 100th anniversary. Gogama, a hidden treasure in northeastern Ontario, is a beautiful community that offers plenty of outdoor activities. People go there for the fishing, the hunting, the bike trails, and, last but not least, the campfires.
Gogama went through some very hard times following a train derailment. A community of 450, and in the summer thousands, their strength should not be measured by their numbers. They have persevered and opted to take a negative situation and turn it into an opportunity. No time was wasted and they produced a fantastic tourism video as a result.
I am incredibly proud of Gogama and its residents for their triumph over tragedy.
Happy 100th anniversary, Gogama. Knowing the residents' determination, I am confident that they will prosper for another 100 years.
Thank you. Meegwetch.