The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

---

Mr. Speaker, the Newfoundland and Labrador sporting community is celebrating again. Last night, Team Gushue won their second consecutive Tim Horton’s Brier, the first team to do so since 2008-09. The final was electrifying coming down to the final stone.

Team Gushue has proven that they are at the top of the curling world with strong performances from lead Geoff Walker, second Brett Gallant, third Mark Nichols and skip Brad Gushue. At this year’s Brier, Brad Gushue also achieved the most wins as skip in Brier history. I know I speak for all of us in this Honourable House when I say we are so proud of this team and all they have accomplished.

This back to back win puts Team Gushue in elite company. Since 1927, only eight skips have achieved this accomplishment including greats such as Kevin Martin and Randy Ferbey. I think it is safe to say that Team Gushue will go down in curling history as one of the greats.

Team Gushue will once again proudly wear the maple leaf as Team Canada at the World Curling Championships in Las Vegas starting on March 31. At the event, they will defend their world championship title from 2017.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I congratulate Team Gushue on their success. I also congratulate Team Newfoundland and Labrador, who captured the hearts of many at the 2018 Tim Horton’s Brier and as a result skip Greg Smith was awarded the Ross Hartstone Sportsmanship Award.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker