It’s my pleasure to rise to recognize the talented Loreena McKennitt of Stratford. Many will know Loreena for her work as a talented singer, actress and composer. She is also a two-time Juno Award winner.

However, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Loreena on a new accomplishment: Loreena was recently inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. She also received a fine tribute at the Opera House in Toronto during International Women’s Day. This is a great achievement and will add Loreena to an exclusive list of Canadians to receive such an honour, including Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, David Foster and many other legends. Along with these great accolades, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at the National Music Centre in Calgary is dedicating a permanent exhibit to Ms. McKennitt.

Loreena has been a lifelong resident of the city of Stratford and has contributed so much to our community through her volunteer work and by putting on many charity performances. She has also long contributed to the yearly Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Stratford cenotaph. As an honorary colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force, she has worked hard to keep our memories of our veterans alive and in the minds of all Canadians.

Congratulations again, Loreena, on all of your hard work and all the success you’ve had over the past four decades.