Check Against Delivery
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
I am honoured to be with you here today on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness at this ceremony to recognize Canada's fallen firefighters.
This memorial ceremony offers us the opportunity to remember those firefighters who have died in the line of duty in the past year, as well as those from years gone by.
We are also here to reach out to those left behind, and I offer my most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those whose lives we remember today. We honour them not because they died, but because of how they lived.
This ceremony is a way for Canada to show respect and appreciation for these
men and women. It is also a way to recognize the invaluable contributions made
by firefighters to public safety. September 11, 2001, will always be a stark
reminder of just how important that contribution is, and as we reflect on the
special achievements of our own men and women today, we know that each of them
lives on in our collective and individual memories.
We should also remember today the important role firefighters played in fighting
the British Columbia wild fires this time last year. The Government of Canada
was proud to be able to lend its support to the province and has also been part
of the reconstruction process. Forest fires are a serious concern in British
Columbia and elsewhere again this year and I would like to recognize the courage
and dedication of the firefighters working in these areas.
On behalf of the people and the Government of Canada, I salute all of our fallen
firefighters.
Their service, sacrifice and legacy will live on in our hearts.