Text of Video:
Mr. Speaker, as this is my first opportunity to rise in this House, I want to thank the people of Courtenay-Alberni for their faith and trust, by electing me as their Member of Parliament.
On October 25th the Leviathon II sank off my home community of Tofino and 6 lives were lost at sea.Fishermen from Ahousaht First Nation were the first to arrive on the scene and began pulling survivors from the frigid waters.
They were soon joined by marine tour operators, first responders, members of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and local Tofino residents.
People’s homes were opened to strangers, temporary beds were set up for the injured, and in the village of Ahousaht (a community where unemployment is as high as 70%) people pulled out 5 and 10 dollar bills to buy gas for the boats so the search for survivors could continue.
Today I ask all members in this House to join me in paying tribute and respect to the families of those lost at sea, the survivors, the rescuers, and all of those whose courage and compassion embodies the very best of Vancouver Island.
In the Nu-Chah-Nulth language I want to say, “Klecko, Klecko,” thank you to our local heroes.
