Mr. Speaker, many of us were dismayed to hear that Quebec would not be represented on the Canadian men's hockey team at the Milano Cortina Olympic Games.
Quebec has always produced outstanding players, and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League has won more Memorial Cups in recent years than the Ontario or western leagues. However, Quebec players are absent from the team, and the French language risks being absent as well. This decision by Hockey Canada shows a complete lack of consideration for Quebec.
Surprise, surprise. Quebec can still cheer on one of our own at the Olympic Games. Phil Pietroniro is originally from Saint‑Eustache. He spent part of his time in junior hockey playing with the Val‑d'Or Foreurs, where he helped the team win the 2014 President's Cup. Now he is an Olympian on the Italian national team.
From Saint‑Eustache to Milano Cortina, with a stopover in Abitibi—Témiscamingue, Phil Pietroniro will allow Quebeckers to cheer on one of our own by proudly shouting “Viva Italia!”