THANK YOU TO THE VOTERS

Devolin Column
(November 7, 2008)

I want to thank you, the voters of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, for showing your confidence by re-electing me on October 14 as your Member of Parliament. I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving you in the riding and representing you in Ottawa.

I also want to congratulate my colleagues re-elected in this region, including: Dean Del Mastro (Peterborough); the Honourable Bev Oda (Durham); Bruce Stanton (Simcoe North); the Honourable Tony Clement (Parry Sound-Muskoka); Rick Norlock (Northumberland- Quinte West); Darryl Kramp (Prince Edward-Hastings); and the Honourable Peter Van Loan (York-Simcoe).

I am confident that all of these Members, three of whom are cabinet ministers, will continue their strong representation for our region and all of Ontario.

As we approach Remembrance Day, we cannot forget the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, past and present. Throughout our history, Canada has always been a staunch defender of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

To this day, our brave men and women of the Canadian Forces are upholding this noble tradition at home and abroad. Their courage, skill and professionalism, which they display every day during our mission in Afghanistan, are an inspiration to us all.

On November 11th, Canadians from coast to coast to coast gather to honour all those who have served and continue to valiantly serve our nation. We especially remember the more than 116,000 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada in two world wars, Korea, and peacekeeping and peacemaking missions ever since – and we promise to never forget.

Not everyone can attend a Remembrance Day ceremony, or travel to one of the countless places across our country and around the world that speak to us of our proud military tradition. But no matter where we are, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we can pause and reflect on the price paid for the peace and prosperity we enjoy today.

This year, I will lay a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada at the November 11th ceremony in Millbrook.  In the past 4 years, I have attended Remembrance Day services in Haliburton, Lindsay, Beaverton and Kinmount.