Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Before we begin today, I would like to draw your attention to the Canadian flags that are on your desk marking National Flag of Canada Day. February 15th was
declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa and, indeed, hundreds of communities across Canada.
The red and white maple leaf flag has become a powerful and predominant symbol of Canada. It is recognized all over the world as the flag of the people who cherish the ideals of democracy, freedom, justice, diversity and equality. It is a particularly fitting day to celebrate our flag and this beautiful country in which we live. It is also fitting to see so many red maple leafs welcoming the world to the 2010 Winter Olympics. The maple leaf is even more predominant now that Canada has won its first Olympic gold medal on Canadian soil.
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Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.