Colleagues, last Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the arts, culture and volunteer awards which took place at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound. It was a wonderful event that recognized many talented artists and community volunteers in our wonderful Grey-Bruce community. I was inspired by the amazing talents and energy of all who were nominated.

While Tom Thomson was born in Claremont, Ontario, he was raised in Leith, a lovely community just east of Owen Sound. He developed his distinctive craft after working with the artists who would eventually form the Group of Seven and also after visiting Algonquin Park. He spent much time at the park, and his outstanding work consists almost entirely of landscapes, including trees, skies, lakes and rivers. Some of his notable works include Northern River, Spring Ice, The West Wind and of course The Jack Pine.

Tom Thomson passed away at the early age of 39 on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park. While he died before the formal establishment of the Group of Seven, he is often considered an unofficial member. His beautiful resting place is at the Leith United Church Cemetery.

Thank you, Tom Thomson, for your amazing talent and for your link to our great Grey-Bruce community. And thank you to the great team at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery—the excellent staff, board and volunteers for making the gallery an inspiring place that honours an inspiring icon, Tom Thomson.

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the pleasure of attending two events that demonstrated the great energy, character and generosity of the people of Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound. The first was Saturday morning at the Walk for Alzheimer’s at the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority near Inglis Falls outside Owen Sound. It was a beautiful morning, and there was a huge turnout of walkers, volunteers and supporters. This great event was organized by the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce and was supported by IG Wealth Management. Amazingly, it was one of four walks they organized that day. Alzheimer Society does such important work to support those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia in our community, and it was great to see such active community support for this important work.

Next, it was off to beautiful Harrison Park in Owen Sound for the Hike for Hospice in support of Grey Bruce Hospice and Chapman House in Owen Sound. Again, there were many hikers and volunteers supporting a great organization. Grey Bruce Hospice provides comprehensive and compassionate care to residents and families in communities during their journey with life-limiting illness. Our friend former MPP Bill Murdoch received great care at the Grey Bruce Hospice before his passing last August. Thank you to all who supported the Hike for Hospice.

These two events demonstrate the great character of our great community in Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, so thank you to all who were involved.