View From the Legislature

The term hero is often used in reference to famous sports stars or entertainers who exhibit skill or ability that is beyond what most of us are able to achieve. But in reality, many of those who deserve to be called a hero are people who are simply every day Canadians who give of themselves in a way in which they achieve extraordinary things.

This week we have again seen a clear demonstration of this. Last Wednesday an 84-year-old woman was picking blueberries in the Rural Municipality of Piney. That fairly common practice became dramatic quickly when she was separated from the friend who accompanied her and was lost. That kicked off a massive search through thick bush. The search continued on for days and miraculously, Mary Byman was found on late Sunday evening after several days in the bush.

Volunteers came from across the province to help friends and family and emergency personnel in the search. The fact that so many people were motivated to assist in the search played a key role in ensuring that Mary was found safe. These are truly heroes, people who are simply showing up because they want to help and in turn making an extraordinary difference.

Much further north in Manitoba there was a search of a very different kind happening as RCMP and military personnel led a search over difficult terrain hundreds of kilometers from Winnipeg for two individuals wanted in connection with killings in British Columbia. RCMP and those serving in the military are trained for difficult work but this type of search is both mentally and physically draining and again showed the type of heroic effort that they put in to help keep us and our province safe.

And the celebration of heroes continues this weekend with the annual marking of Terry Fox Day on the August long weekend. Terry Fox is recognized as one of the greatest Canadians because of his courage and determination when he embarked on his cross Canada marathon to raise funds to fight cancer even as he battled cancer himself. And while Terry was forced to end his marathon outside of Thunder Bay in September of 1980, millions of dollars are raised annually to fight cancer because of his courage. A Canadian who accomplished something incredible simply because he wanted to help others.

This week is a reminder that we are surrounded by heroes who, everyday, are trying to better the lives of others. From volunteering to help find a fellow Manitoban, to those who are working to keep our communities safe to remembering the legacy of a great Canadian who even today continues to make a difference, we are a better province and country for their efforts. While none of them would be quick to claim the status of hero, each has worked to earn it.