My Speeches

Introduction of Brody Ackerblade

Posted on Nov 06, 2008

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Battle River-Wainwright.

Mr. Griffiths: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the pleasure today
of introducing to you and through you to members of the Assembly
three important people to me. The first one is Brent Korte. He’s the
director of government relations for western Canada for JanssenOrtho.
He grew up in Peace River, but he’s been a resident of
Spruce Grove for more than 15 years. He’s very active in his local
community, coaching both minor hockey and football, that his son
is involved in. He is a close personal friend of mine. He’s accompanied today by Craig, his son, a grade 9 student at St.
Thomas Aquinas school in Spruce Grove. Craig is an honours
student at school, and he’s been involved in the school leadership
program, which is evident because he spends a lot of time with
seniors. He makes lunch at Boyle Street, and he volunteers with the
local food bank. He is also involved in playing minor sports such as
hockey and football. He’s here today with his father, Brent, for the
Take Our Kids to Work initiative.
Sitting with them, Mr. Speaker, is another person that’s very
important to me, Brody Ackerblade. He’s a grade 9 student in St.
Albert. He is the son of Pam Chiasson and Rob Ackerblade, and
he’s a stepson of the best friend I have in the world, Maurice
Chiasson. He plays soccer, and he says that one of his favourite
pastimes now is to watch the Leafs lose. He’s interested in politics,
so he’s been job shadowing me all day, and I think he’s had a pretty
incredible experience.
I’d ask all three of them to rise and receive the traditional warm
welcome of this Assembly.