Mr. Speaker, across our country, millions of Canadians selflessly invest their time and energy to help make our communities great. One such individual is Steffanie Bjorgan, who has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and their parents through the establishment of the Red Roof Retreat.
The Red Roof Retreat was established in 2000, but the journey to its creation began in 1993 when Steffanie's middle son, Garrett, was born with cerebral palsy. That is when Steffanie started realizing just how little there was available for Garrett and other children with special needs. She then got to work and has been tremendously devoted ever since to starting and growing this incredible organization.
In July, Steffanie was awarded the Meritorious Service Decoration in the civil division by the Governor General. It is my sincere honour to recognize Red Roof Retreat and Steffanie Bjorgan in the House of Commons today and to thank her for making our community and our country a better place to live.