Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the incredible and ongoing contributions of Ken and Christine Waddell.
Ken and Christine Waddell have spent their entire career working to promote local journalism. Fifty-seven years ago, they began a publishing career together at the University of Manitoba. They would go on to spend their personal and professional lives owning and operating many local publishing companies, providing a valuable local lens for their communities. This includes 35 years with the Neepawa Banner and Press, 32 years with the Rivers Banner and, as of this year, being the new owners of the Virden Empire-Advance.
However, their contributions do not stop with their publishing business. They are both actively engaged in their community of Neepawa. Ken has volunteered much of his time with the Neepawa Titans hockey team, and Christine has volunteered much of her time with the Tangled Threads Quilt Club and the Neepawa Rotary Club.
On behalf of the House of Commons, I want to thank them for being pillars in their community and for giving a voice to rural Canadians for so many years. Our country is a much better place because of them.