Haifa fires

SO 31 from the Hansard Blues:

    Hon. Bob Rae (Toronto Centre, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, the forest fire in
northern Israel has cost dozens of lives and come close to the city of Haifa
and many of its people and institutions, including Haifa university which
has just been evacuated. Canada and Canadians will respond to this tragedy,
and Israel's request for assistance in fighting this fire needs a speedy and
firm "yes" from federal and provincial governments, including sending fire
retardant agents and water bombers.

    Our own country knows only too well the devastating impact such fires
can have. We can all imagine the impact on a much smaller country and its people. This transcends politics and parties. It is about people helping people, and doing so as quickly and effectively as we can.