Mrs. Shirley Render (St. Vital): On Friday, June 12, Stephanie Friesen, an 11-year-old student from Ecole Varennes, and also a member of the school's patrol team was the recipient of the CAA-Governor General's Lifesaving Medal. The medal was presented by His Honour Lieutenant Governor Yvon Dumont before a full school assembly.
Madam Speaker, on October 17, 1997, Stephanie and other members of the Ecole Varennes school patrol were at their respective stations. Stephanie was preparing to release some children across the pedestrian crosswalk; however, she noted a truck approaching and believed that it was not going to be able to stop in time. She was right. She shouted a warning to her partner. Just then the truck struck the rear of the car that had already stopped, forcing this vehicle clear across the pedestrian corridor. However, thanks to Stephanie's quick action, her partner was able to jump to safety.
Everyone interviewed by the police agreed that Stephanie's observation, her alertness and quick action undoubtedly saved her partner from injuries and possibly a loss of life.
Madam Speaker, with level-headed young people like Stephanie on patrol, I believe all parents can rest assured that their children's safety is in good hands. So, on behalf of all honourable members, I would like to extend my congratulations to Stephanie Friesen. Thank you.
Ms. Diane McGifford (Osborne): Madam Speaker, as both the MLA for Osborne and the critic for Culture, Heritage and Citizenship, I was pleased yesterday to attend the 18th annual recital of the India School of Dance, Music and Theatre held in the Osborne constituency at the Gas Station Theatre. It was an honour to bring greetings from the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, particularly from the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Doer) and the member for Point Douglas (Mr. Hickes), who loves the recitals but had other responsibilities yesterday. I wish to thank the school's energetic and dedicated executive director, Pam Rebello, for the invitation, and the vice-president, Dr. Muni Mysore, for companionship and informative program notes.
The school, which began in 1980 with 25 students, now boasts, according to yesterday's program, over 120 students. The increase in number is a sure sign of the strong South Asian community in Winnipeg, student commitment to their cultural roots, and the excellent work of the teaching staff. I must admit that, among the resplendent, dazzling, brilliantly coloured costumes, I in my dowdy black and white felt like a poor western cousin, but the warm and gracious welcome soon put me at ease. Parents, grandparents, family members and teachers can be justly proud of the performers, both dancers and musicians.
The program included young initiates, more advanced students and proven performers, as well as dance and music from northern and southern India. Scholarships were presented to award-winning students, and long-serving community members were honoured.
As a student of the culture, particularly the culture of the Indian subcontinent and particularly the literature of the Indian subcontinent, and as the MLA for a constituency which recently honoured Mahatma Ghandi, including a performance by the India School of Dance, I found the recital educational and moving. Indeed, I recommend this event next year to all MLAs. Thank you.
Mr. Edward Helwer (Gimli): This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending a century farm celebration near Sandy Hook. Leonard and Gladys Ciszewski and their family are carrying on the long-standing agricultural tradition of their pioneering ancestors. The four-member Ciszewski family left Nyrkow, Galicya, in the spring of 1898 to embark on a new life in Canada. Like countless other immigrants, they were eager to face the challenges of a foreign land, and after several weeks of travel by ship and rail, the Ciszewskis reached Winnipeg and eventually found a suitable homestead in the Sandy Hook area.
The living and farming traditions the elder Ciszewskis faced no doubt were radically different from what they are today. Inevitably, they encountered a great number of challenges as farmers in what had hitherto been a relatively uninhabited land. It is because of the foresight and determination of such early pioneers as the Ciszewskis that we have a fully developed agricultural community today.
I am pleased to see that so many Manitoba farm families recognize the importance of preserving their agriculture heritage. It is very commendable to see families such as the Ciszewskis maintaining their farms for upcoming generations just as their ancestors left them in their care.
The century farm designation is something that Manitoba farm families hold in great esteem. That sign at the end of their lane means a great deal to family farms, and is an indication of the strength and commitment that the people who reside in those yards have towards agriculture in this province. Having established a farm business that has lasted a century is indeed a tremendous accomplishment, and I would like to congratulate the Ciszewskis on achieving this goal. Thank you.
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Mr. Gregory Dewar (Selkirk): Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw the attention of members to a unique event held this weekend for young Manitobans with a special challenge. The third annual Kids Fishing for a Cure was held on Saturday, June 13, at Selkirk Park. This event allows children diagnosed with cancer a day of fishing on the Red River and raises money for the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, pediatric care unit.
This year, 32 children and young adults went fishing with guides who donated their boats, fishing gear and expertise. The largest fish caught and released was a 38-inch channel catfish. Organizers expect to raise between $18,000 and $20,000 from donations, corporate sponsorships and other fundraising activities. All of this money will be used to beat cancer.
Madam Speaker, this is a true community success story. I would like to congratulate the founder and chair of the event, John Harber, and his committee members, Bob Check, Lorraine Check, Jim Hyslop, Walter Kostinik, Mark Cram and John Fidler, as well as the over 120 volunteers who worked so hard to ensure the success of this event.
Madam Speaker, this group of dedicated individuals never lost sight of their goal, and that is to help find a cure for cancer. On behalf of all Manitobans, I thank and congratulate them. Thank you.
Mr. David Faurschou (Portage la Prairie): Madam Speaker, I just want to draw the attention of all honorable members present that I had the very great honour of attending the Lieutenant Governor's residence last Friday. It was the event to honour the elementary school classroom teachers award, and it was the third annual event to be held and hosted by our Lieutenant Governor. This opportunity is one to recognize the outstanding achievements in the classroom by our elementary school teachers across the province. Mary Lou Driedger, a Grade 4 teacher at Mitchell elementary school in Mitchell, Manitoba, a village represented by our own honourable member for Steinbach (Mr. Driedger), was this year's award winner.
I am very pleased that the Lieutenant Governor lends the dignity of his office to the award and honours the elementary school teachers and celebrates their most outstanding contributions in the classroom.
I also want to recognize the contributions made by the selection committee and the parents council, as well as the superintendents association, Canada Post and the Royal Bank for their contributions towards the success of this program.
It was a very great honour to represent the Minister of Education, the Honourable Linda McIntosh, at this event. I want to say, on behalf of all members here, that the province of Manitoba is indeed grateful to these elementary school teachers for their dedication and commitment to their profession. Thank you.