Mr. Speaker, when you think of the great work firefighters do in our communities, the first thought that comes to mind is probably of the dangerous work they do in protecting our families. I was able to experience some of this first hand, albeit with most of the danger removed, when I took part in a firefighters experience day earlier this fall.
As well as their important safety role, we should not overlook the great charity and advocacy work firefighters also do in our communities. The Sudbury Professional Fire Fighters Association is a great example of this. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sudbury added to its fleet the first pink fire truck. Fire Chief Dan Stack said that the aim was “to inspire people to be proactive and take the steps needed for early detection against cancer”. In addition to the new truck, firefighters also volunteered their own time to drive people to and from the Ontario Breast Screening Program and sold special T-shirts, with the proceeds going to the Northern Cancer Foundation.
I am sure that MPs from all parties will take this chance to thank firefighters in Sudbury and across Canada for all their great work.