Mr. Gerry McAlpine (Sturgeon Creek): Madam Speaker, do I have leave for a nonpolitical statement?

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Sturgeon Creek have leave? [agreed]

Mr. McAlpine: Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in the House this afternoon and tell my colleagues about the success that two schools in the constituency of Sturgeon Creek had at a national music festival. Silver Heights Collegiate and Golden Gate Middle School were invited to participate in a national music competition called Music Fest 1997 in Hull, Quebec. The competition was held on May 21 to May 25. Several bands from Silver Heights Collegiate won in their competition categories. The Symphonic band won a gold medal. The Seniors 3 and 4 jazz band also won gold in their category. The Senior 2 jazz band won a silver medal, and the Senior 1 concert band also walked away with silver. The Senior 1 jazz band won gold.

Golden Gate Middle School was equally successful in competitions at the festival and the school's Gator band won a gold medal and Golden Gate Grade 8 jazz band also won gold.

I would like to ask all members of this Legislature to join me in congratulating all the students and teachers who participated in this music festival. Their success at the national competition is truly admirable and brings pride to all Manitobans.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.