Mr. Speaker, our community is grieving the loss of a dear friend and an extraordinary Canadian. Ruth Foster passed away September 28.
Ruth and fellow teacher Rod MacVicar brought eight students to a neglected creek in Port Moody, 50 years ago. Together, they transformed Mossom Creek into a thriving salmon habitat, world-class hatchery and education centre. For half a century, Ruth Foster inspired generations of young people to care for our environment. Many became scientists, educators and conservation leaders themselves. Her shoes will be impossible to fill, but because of her, thousands will walk in her footsteps.
To her husband John, her family, Rod and the entire Mossom Creek community, our deepest condolences. I thank Ruth. Her legacy lives on.