Mr. Speaker, it is with gratitude and admiration that I thank Robert Rainboth of the Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association for organizing the Orléans Parade of Lights for the past 27 years.
Thanks to his vision and leadership, this event has come to symbolize real joy and magic in Orléans. Every year, he made the eyes of young and old alike sparkle and gave the community a unique opportunity to gather in record numbers—150,000 strong—along St. Joseph Boulevard. Organizing a parade of 75 floats for nearly three decades is no mean feat, but he has always been dedicated to doing a brilliant job.
November 30 was Robert's final parade, but what he created is more than just an event. It is a tradition that, year after year, is one of the things that makes Orléans shine so brightly.
I am incredibly grateful to Robert for these past 27 years.