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Senator Tkachuk Congratulates Steven Fletcher on Induction into Terry Fox Hall of Fame
November 23, 2006
Mr. Fletcher has accomplished more than most people. He earned a Masters of Business Administration; was twice elected President of the University of Manitoba Student Union; served as executive director of the university's board of directors; founded Wilderness Access Manitoba; was elected to Parliament in 2004, where he served as health critic; and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health in 2006. These are serious and remarkable achievements for any young person, but Steven, who only turned 34 this year, accomplished all of this while confined to a wheelchair. He has been a quadriplegic since the age of 23.
Faced with similar circumstances, many of us would have just given up; others would have settled for achieving a lot less. All of us would have understood either of these reactions, but Steven Fletcher has demonstrated that he is truly a kindred spirit of that great Canadian, Terry Fox.
Like Terry, he has more than endured and he has more than persevered in the face of adversity. He has pushed himself beyond what anyone would have thought either possible or, perhaps, even wise. He has brooked no obstacles to what he hoped to achieve. As a result, he has carved an extraordinary life out of extraordinarily challenging circumstances.
Steven also keeps a schedule that is, to say the least, daunting. I know. I ride with him on an airplane from Winnipeg to Ottawa on Sunday nights. Last Sunday, he was telling me about his schedule. I said, "What kind of week did you have? Did you get a little rest?" He went through his schedule, starting with Monday in Toronto to receive the award, then the Grey Cup activities and a youth caucus. By the time he was finished, I was tired. He did all this in a wheelchair.
When I look at Steven, I think of the tremendous amount of energy it must take not just to get into that wheelchair but then to get into an airplane to come to Ottawa every week to participate with us here. We live in a great country that allows people who are quadriplegic to participate and to feel at home in the House of Commons.
Steven has a tremendous sense of humour. I am sure he would be highly embarrassed if he were to hear what I have said today. However, I am glad I have said it.
I hope all honourable senators will join me in congratulating Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament, on his induction into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
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March 04, 2010 Budget brings Jobs and GrowthMarch 03, 2010 Throne Speech presents Plan for a stronger CanadaFebruary 25, 2010 Fletcher Celebrates Manitoba DayFebruary 08, 2010 Fletcher hosts Canada summer jobs employer information sessionJanuary 20, 2010 More skills training available for Manitoba workersJanuary 19, 2010 The government of Canada provides tax relief for Canadian businessesJanuary 18, 2010 Creating jobs for Manitobans with Home Renovation Tax CreditJanuary 14, 2010 The government of Canada creates more jobs for studentsJanuary 13, 2010 Knowledge Infrastructure Program supports Manitoba post-secondary Institutions and StudentsJanuary 11, 2010 Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia Benefits from Recreational Infrastructure Canada ProgramJanuary 08, 2010 The government of Canada supports Manitoba seniors and their communitiesJanuary 06, 2010 Pension income splitting provides Manitoba seniors with tax reliefJanuary 05, 2010 Government of Canada Celebrates the Torch Relay With the community of WinnipegJanuary 04, 2010 Manitoba seniors save from increase to the age credit amountDecember 10, 2009 Fletcher and Waslycia-Leis support rights of persons with disabilitiesDecember 02, 2009 The Government of Canada creating jobs for ManitobansNovember 28, 2009 Government of Canada celebrates the historical significance of the founding of the royal Canadian LegionNovember 27, 2009 Fletcher Supports Canada and Manitoba investment into South End Water Pollution Control CentreNovember 10, 2009 Remembrance DayNovember 06, 2009 Headingley Trans Canada TrailNovember 05, 2009 Fletcher applauds Manitoba MP Hoeppner’s work to eliminate long-gun registryOctober 30, 2009 $2.02 million for yellow ribbon greenway trailOctober 24, 2009 Fletcher hosts 70th “Fletcher Forum”October 14, 2009 Fletcher hails Government of Canada support for scientific research to deepen knowledge of H1N1 flu virusOctober 13, 2009 Fletcher welcomes further Investment in Centre Port CanadaSeptember 25, 2009 Governments commit to affordable housing and supportive services for new CanadiansSeptember 11, 2009 $3 million for new Silver Heights/Sturgeon Creek Amalgamated Community CentreSeptember 11, 2009 Urban Ecology EQuilibrium™ Demonstration Project Starts Construction in WinnipegSeptember 01, 2009 Government of Canada honours Terry foxMarch 08, 2010 Statement By The Prime Minister Of CanadaMarch 08, 2010 Statement By The Prime Minister Of CanadaMarch 01, 2010 Prime Minister Harper and Premier Campbell announce Highway, Bridge and Road Upgrades across British ColumbiaFebruary 28, 2010 Prime Minister Stephen Harper marks closing of Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games |