Stony Plain, Alberta, May 24, 2009 – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove and Minister of Labour co-hosted the second annual “Support Our Protective Services BBQ” today in Stony Plain in support of the brave men and women of our protective services. The protective services she honoured included the Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Community Peace Officers, Search and Rescue, Victims Services, fire brigades, ambulance and emergency personnel. Over 200 members of these protective services were in attendance along with local citizens and elected officials.
“I am so glad the people of Edmonton-Spruce Grove are here today to acknowledge the vital role our Canadian Forces, our police, fire, ambulance and emergency personnel play, in our lives, on a daily basis," said Minister Ambrose.
The event was co-hosted by Mayor Stuart Houston of Spruce Grove, Mayor Ken Lemke of Stony Plain and Mayor Rob Wiedeman of Parkland County. The event provided their citizens with the opportunity to show their appreciation for the essential role that the protective service men and women play in their communities.
“On behalf of Town Council and the residents of Stony Plain, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Protective Services Groups for their commitment and service to our community. We entrust our lives and our most important possessions to these courageous individuals who in turn ensure the safety and protection of our residents. Each deserves to be honoured for their dedication,” said Mayor Lemke. “I would also like to extend my gratitude towards my regional partners, Parkland County and the City of Spruce Grove, as well as the Honourable Rona Ambrose, in working collaboratively to organize this important event for the men and women that serve us so well!"
“Every day we rely and put our trust in these brave men and women. They put their life on the line in emergencies and crisis in our lives,” said Parkland County Mayor Rob Wiedeman. “The Support our Protective Services BBQ is a way to thank them and to let them know they do make a difference.”
"I hope everyone shows their support for our protective services - not only today, but every day,” said Mayor Houston. “We are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices they make to keep us safe."
Minister Ambrose concluded: “I would like to personally express my appreciation for the dedication, skill and professionalism that you all demonstrate every day. And I want to assure you that our Government, and Prime Minister Harper, recognizes the important work you do and is committed to supporting you and providing you with the tools you need to ensure the security of all of you who sacrifice so much to protect our communities and keep Canadians safe and secure.”
