Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise as the representative for Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies, a new riding for the 45th Parliament. I first wish to thank the voters, the volunteers and their families who placed their trust in me.
Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies is a diverse riding, stretching from the great continental divide at the B.C.-Alberta border, through the Shuswap Highland to the ranching grasslands of Kamloops. It includes Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven to unite Canada. It is home to three national parks and spans the headwater tributaries of the massive Columbia and Fraser rivers.
However, it is the people of this majestic riding that make it truly spectacular: the agriculturalists and artisans, the mountaineers and miners, the railroaders and retirees, all of the people of the Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies who hold this seat in the House. I pledge to do my best to ensure they are well represented.