Mr. Speaker, on that starry night many years ago, there was a message of hope given in a very dark place of history, declaring, “Be not afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. On this night, a saviour is born. Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and goodwill to all people.” If there has ever been a year that we needed some good news to pierce through the darkness of fear, doubt and despair, it would be this one.
May we embrace the peace that was promised all those years ago and overcome the uncertainty of fear we face today. May the goodwill that was expressed that night continue to be expressed through our lives, as has been so clearly displayed in the valiant efforts of our front-line workers, small business owners, truckers, grocers, farmers, fish harvesters and many others, who have all made tremendous sacrifices and together have laid the foundation for our country's comeback.
May the love, joy, peace and hope that was brought that night many years ago be with everyone and their families this Christmas and throughout the coming year. On behalf of my wife Crystal and our family, I would like to extend to every member of the House and all Canadians a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.