Mr. Speaker, last month, Cape Breton proudly hosted the under-18 Women's World Championship, bringing the world to our rinks and showcasing the very best of women's hockey. The tournament coincided with the grand opening of the Kehoe Forum at Cape Breton University. It is a new, state-of-the-art facility and the first of its kind in Canada, dedicated exclusively to women's hockey and serving as a lasting home for women's hockey in the region.
Events like this do not happen by accident. They are built on years of grassroots leadership, including the work of the Cape Breton Blizzard team, along with dedicated volunteers, coaches, families and community partners who continue to grow girls' hockey and create opportunities for young athletes.
Through world-class competition and community pride, Cape Breton showed once again that when we invest in women's sport, we build stronger communities and a stronger future.