Thanks to everybody for the warm welcome to Lasqueti Days on Saturday, complete with the annual parade, the last Saturday market of the year and the Silly Boat Race (won by the False Bay Beast). I very much appreciated all those constituents who took time to talk to me about federal issues important to their families and community. Great to talk to Lasqueti Island Trustee Tim Peterson, old friend David Ham and Powell River Regional District director Andrew Fall. Thanks especially to Marilyn Darwin, market organizer and a director of The Last Resort Society, dedicated to improving healthcare and other services for Lasqueti. Nice also running into Trudy, Richard and daughter Anna and their four rescued sheep (including my friend Fennel!). Anna is a volunteer first responder on Lasqueti. I loved joining marchers in their chant, “More Flowers, Less Plastic”. I sure wish I could get over to Lasqueti Island more often, such a wonderful community!
Poppy Flag Raising Ceromony
Thank you to the Qualicum Legion #76 for inviting me to attend the Poppy Flag raising ceremony and Poppy Campaign Kickoff for 2023 on Friday. Every year from the last Friday of October to November 11, tens of millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to honour Canada's Veterans and remember those who scarified for the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Poppy is distributed freely to all who wish to wear one, and the Legion gratefully accepts donations to the Poppy Fund, which helps military an RCMP veterans and their families. Thanks to QB Legion Poppy Campaign Chair Arlene King an outgoing Poppy Campaign Chair Bruce Ballingal for their service.