I thank my colleagues on both sides of this House for the attention they are giving to this particular piece of legislation, and therefore, their support in highlighting the need for it. I can't thank you enough for the support you're giving this.

To you, witnesses, I'll say a big thank you, not only for appearing here today but for all the hard work you do on a daily basis and the leadership role you play in promoting the rights of animals, particularly law enforcement animals and service animals.

I have met with you in my office, Ms. Bergeron. I was very touched by that particular meeting. I had the opportunity to meet your beautiful partner, who is with you all the time, and I want to thank you for the work you did in insisting that service animals be included as part of this legislation. I'm delighted that they are.

Of course, Staff Sergeant Carriere, we had the opportunity to meet with Constable Matt Williamson, who was Quanto's handler. I'll never forget the eyes of Constable Williamson, because we met but a few days after the incident had transpired in Edmonton. His eyes welled up in speaking about and thinking of Quanto, because Quanto was not only his partner and his friend but the family pet as well. He left the house that morning with Quanto and returned without Quanto.

As we all know, these are animals that do not really have a choice when they're put into service, yet they do it wholeheartedly, willingly, and lovingly. In the case of law enforcement animals, they're put in danger on a daily basis. In the case of service animals, they certainly have a huge responsibility for the person they take care of.

I want to thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for your leadership role and for appearing here today and speaking for this legislation.

Once again, in closing, to all my colleagues here, on all sides of the House, because this is one of those pieces of legislation that transcends partisan politics and because it is needed, I'm delighted to see the compassion and the attention it's getting. Thank you very much.

That's it.

Costas Menegakis

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