Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton): I'm honoured to stand before you today to offer a tribute for a fallen firefighter in my community. As I speak, hundreds of firefighters and thousands of citizens are mourning Mark Johnston, a respected firefighter, star athlete, community activist and family man from my hometown.

I and other Ottawa residents are heartened that Ottawa firefighters have organized a hero's honour to remember Mark Johnston. This final mark of respect will no doubt give Mark's devoted family, his wife, Rebeccah, and his children, Lahra and Trent, comfort that Mark's work in our community will long be remembered.

Mr. Johnston died on April 7, at the age of 43, after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.

A youthful football player with the Ottawa Sooners and the Gee-Gees, Mr. Johnston had an outstanding career with the Nepean and then Ottawa fire departments. Before passing, Mr. Johnston, along with fellow firefighters Brandon Stewart and Jim Andrews, organized the Quest for a Cure to raise money for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre and make cancer history.

It is only fitting that on behalf of residents in Ottawa and the members of this Legislature, I extend our condolences to the Johnston family for their loss. To quote the Bible, Matthew 5:4 says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."