Madam Speaker, the town of Fermont is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The name Fermont naturally evokes its mountain of iron ore, its immense open-pit mines and its mythical wall. Personally, I also think of its pioneers, who are now watching their children and grandchildren grow up in Fermont, where the warmth of humanity is matched only by the love that the people of Fermont have for their community, even if it is in the north, above the 53rd parallel.
The people of Fermont are supportive, generous, entrepreneurial and innovative, and they make the town what it is: a great place to live, where neighbours have become friends, weaving a tight-knit community to support one another. All of this is heightened by the beauty of the northern lights dancing over the waves of black spruce that blow in the mighty winds on cloudless evenings. That is Fermont.
Until I can join them to celebrate in person—hopefully very soon—I wish my dear friends in Fermont a happy 50th anniversary, one that is as festive and warm as they are.