Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, Canada takes the field against England in the Women's Rugby World Cup final. This is the biggest rugby match in the history of Canada and the women's game.
These athletes have shown true ingenuity, crowdfunding to reach the world cup and competing on a budget that pales in comparison to other nations. Canada sometimes plays unconventionally, generating opportunity and space with a speed, accuracy and discipline the world has never seen before. In their historic semi-final win over the New Zealand Black Ferns, I am told Canada played with the fastest average ruck speed of any team, men or women, ever. Behind this team stands an incredible coaching staff, led by Kevin Rouet.
No matter what the outcome on Saturday, Canada is proud. We are behind them all the way. They have established themselves as the world leaders in rugby. They have inspired boys and girls across Canada to pick up a rugby ball and run with it.
On behalf of Canada's Parliament, I say, “Go, Canada, go!”