Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say a heartfelt “thank you”. It has been almost two months to the day since my health took an abrupt turn. To say it has been difficult would be an understatement. It has, to say the least, been incredibly humbling.
To my team, to my friends and colleagues from all sides of the House, and indeed, from across the nation, I want to thank them. Their words of encouragement, their cards, the fruit baskets, the flowers, have meant more to me and my family than they may ever know.
To the doctors and nurses at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia, I am thankful. I am thankful for all the work they do. I have seen the conditions the men and women work in, and we can do better for them.
To my colleagues, we lead busy lives and it is easy to lose sight of what is most important. The work we do in the House and in our ridings has meaning, every meeting, every speech, every event, every text, and every call. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind, but without our health, we have nothing. I ask them to stop, take time to reflect, and above all else, I ask them to please take care of themselves.
To my wife, Kelly, and my entire family, their strength when faced with the unimaginable was simply amazing. I thank them for their patience, their love, and support. Words cannot express my love for them.