Statement by New Democrat Leader Jack Layton on the second week of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver

As our women’s hockey team prepares for its gold medal game, Joannie Rochette gets ready again to bravely strap on her skates, and our men’s aerials team takes to the skies in the search of gold, I want to take this opportunity to wish them and all of our remaining competitors the best of luck.

Their fellow Canadian athletes have certainly provided plenty of inspiration! Team Canada has already won an impressive 15 medals and given all of us even more reason to be proud. From our first gold medal on home soil to Moir and Virtue’s breakthrough as the youngest and first North American team to win gold in ice dance, we have seen some great results.

Yesterday, while Canadians from coast to coast to coast were on the edge of their seats waiting to see how the men’s hockey team would fare, our women stepped-up and showed their strength. Our nation had never won a medal in women’s two-man bobsleigh but last night we took gold and silver. Our short-track speed-skating relay team grabbed a silver of their own, and in the last race of her career, Clara Hughes proved that she has earned her reputation as ‘Canada’s Greatest Olympic Athlete’ by winning another medal.

Even though the games will soon come to a close, the next three days promise to bring even more excitement and, I’m sure, more success.

Once again, to all of our Olympians, congratulations and good luck!

You’ve made your country proud. Enjoy these last days – I know I will.

Go Canada Go