Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the people of Pontiac for putting their trust in me and allowing me to serve as their voice in this House of Commons for a second mandate.
Five years ago, I promised my constituents I would fight for their needs and interests, and I intend to keep that promise. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Today I rise to thank Maniwaki-based SOPFEU firefighters who went on a 31-day mission to Australia to support other firefighters already battling the disastrous blazes there. These firefighters are doing everything they can to protect Australian people, wildlife and land, and they all deserve our deepest respect.
I would like to thank Simon Bordeleau, Alain St-Onge, Michel Bédard and Jonathan Bernard-Bisson and their managers, Garry Pearson, Marc Larche and Mélanie Morin, for their courage and dedication.
I am so incredibly proud of Canada's firefighters who have travelled across the globe to be a part of these relief efforts for fires that remind us of the immediate and urgent crisis that is climate change.