Women of Excellence

Mr. Speaker, each year the YMCA of Western Ontario awards the Women of Excellence Awards to some of the many outstanding Canadian women who call London home.

This year, as in all years, their decision has not been an easy one, but I congratulate them on choosing an exceptional group of women to honour.

Each of these women has worked tirelessly to improve the London community.  They include:

       Ramona Lumpkin for Education, Training and Development,

       Judith Rodger for Arts, Culture and Heritage,

       Helen Connell for Business, Professions and Trades,

       Ruthe Anne Conyngham for Community, Volunteerism and Humanity,

       Donna Bourne for Sport, Fitness and Recreation,

       Sandy Whittall for Health, Science and Technology, and

       Olympians Tessa Virtue and Christine Nesbitt were celebrated for Outstanding Achievement.

This annual event is a celebration in excellence and a small way in which Londoners can thank these remarkable women for their contributions.

On behalf of all Canadians, and especially those in London, let me thank them once again for making a positive difference in so many lives.