Lac La Biche, Alberta - Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen.

I have to say that my favorite politician is the one with the shortest speech.  We’ll see who comes out on top.

Our Canadian Armed Forces have always been the defenders of our nation’s freedoms and values and I’m proud to say that over the past two years our Government has been steadfast in our support of Canadian servicemen and women, both past and present.

In fact, the recent Budget tabled in February devotes $282 million over the next three years to extend the Veteran’s Independence Program to more than 12,000 eligible survivors.

We’ve also delivered on our promises to Implement the New Veterans Charter and Establish a Veterans Bill of Rights, among others, and have made significant strides with the help of our NATO allies for our dedicated Forces currently in Afghanistan.

As the son and father of a Canadian soldier, I know that efforts such as those put forward by the Airmen’s Memorial Cairn Committee here in Lac La Biche mean so much to families and communities across Canada.

I would like to thank Dave McArthur……. (list to be provided) and countless others for their inspiring commitment to this endeavor.

And on behalf of the Honourable Peter McKay, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veteran’s Affairs and the Government of Canada, I would like to present this certificate of thanks to the Lac La Biche Airmen’s Memorial Cairn Committee for your tireless efforts and selfless dedication in honouring those who fought to protect our country, our citizens, and the rights and freedoms we hold so dear.

Thank you.