All Canadians Take Pride in Vancouver: MP Gallant

February 19, 2010

Photo: Cheryl Gallant, MP with some of our athletes at a countdown reception in Ottawa; Nicole Forrester, Danielle Goyette, Benoit Huot, Bruny Surin, Deidra Dionne.


Canada is back.  And it shows!

Pembroke, Ontario… “There is a new edge to Canada on display at home and abroad and it is one that all Canadians can be proud of,” observed Cheryl Gallant. “I have been honoured to represent Canada recently at a number of international forums, most recently in Brussels and Paris, and I am pleased to confirm that the new image Canada projects, is one of pride and self confidence.”

“When I was first elected as MP back in 2000, all I heard was criticism from our western partners for the lack of commitment from Canada for democracy and human rights. We were continually criticized for talking a big game, but when it came time to put words into action, our country came up short. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada has resumed a leadership role in world affairs.”

 “That was the time when Canada had the reputation of being the “freeloader” of NATO, of not pulling our own weight. Thankfully, the “decade of darkness” of military budget cuts ended in 2006. The sacrifice our women and men are making and continue to make in Afghanistan has not gone unnoticed in Europe and with our partners in the NATO alliance.”

“Closer to home, the Conservative government’s decision to invest in “strategic lift,” with the acquisition of the C-17 transport planes allowed for a swift and timely response with ‘boots on the ground’ in Haiti. Canada was able to land major relief shipments within 48 hours of the January earthquake that rocked that country,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP.

“Now, all Canadians can take pride in the tremendous efforts of the many volunteers, in the job they are doing in helping Canada host the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. They show Canada at our best. A special congratulation to the Ottawa valleys own April Verch and her virtuoso performance during the opening ceremonies”.

“I know I was out of my seat when I cheered Alex Bilodeau to Canada’s first gold medal on home soil and a spot in the history books. Whether it is curling, skating, skiing or the women’s and men’s hockey teams, all of our athletes are giving us reasons to cheer”.

“Canada has faced one of the harshest economic downturns in a generation. It is my sincere wish that the Opposition in Ottawa will set aside their petty partisan bickering and work with us together on behalf of all Canadians. Let’s take some of that pride we are all feeling and put it to good use!” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.