Honourable colleagues, the Christmas and holiday season is a time to enjoy special moments with our loved ones, to celebrate with friends and family and to be thankful for all we have. It is a time of joy and sometimes nostalgia, a time to give, both to those we love and those less fortunate, and to take the time to be more involved in our communities.

It is also a time to stop and acknowledge the servicemen and women and first responders who work tirelessly to keep Canadians safe all year long. Not all Canadians have the luxury of spending the holidays with family, especially many of our Canadian Forces. They put their lives at risk to protect us each and every day, both here at home and abroad. There are currently over 100,000 regular, reserve and civilian forces, men and women representing our country. These courageous individuals also protect the freedom of others, our allies, those in need around the world through humanitarian aid, training, capacity building and, of course, security operations.

Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, airwomen and special forces on duty represent our country with honour, respect and the hallmark Canadian values recognized around the globe.

In communities across this country, we are also lucky to have thousands of first responders who keep us, our loved ones, our neighbours and our homes safe. From our police to our paramedics and firefighters, their dedication to public service in their local communities fills myself and Canadians with a very deep sense of pride.

A special thank you and acknowledgment to our Parliamentary Protective Service and RCMP members who not only have our backs day in and day out, but who have become our friends over the years.

While we enjoy this holiday season, let’s give thanks to those serving our country and recognize and remember their sacrifice and commitment to keeping us safe. For over 100 years, these men and women have and continue to make our democracy possible.

Honourable colleagues, please join me in wishing our servicemen and women, our vets, our first responders and their families a very merry Christmas, a warm holiday season and a happy and safe new year. And for those in harm’s way, we wish them safe home.