I rise in this house today to invite all honourable members, their families and the general public, to the Provincial Government�s 22^nd annual Christmas Lights Across Canada ceremony this evening. The event begins at 6:15 in the East Block lobby of the Confederation Building.

We are once again joining provinces across the country in this event which will see hundreds of thousands of lights sparkle from coast to coast. One of the goals of Christmas Lights Across Canada, organized by the National Capital Commission, is to be a symbolic link between Ottawa and Canada�s provinces and territories. And of course, being the most easterly province in Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador will kick off the festivities and illuminate the Prince Phillip Parkway from the Memorial University campus to right here at Confederation Hill.

This year, our display contains approximately 60,000 lights, six billboards depicting Christmas scenes, and 13 trees adorned with white lights, symbolizing our 13 provinces and territories. The main tree on the steps of Confederation Building contains LED, energy-saving Christmas lights. In fact, all our lights this year are LED bulbs, as we strive to be as environmentally-friendly as possible.

This year I will be joined by the Honourable Premier for the lighting ceremony. We will also hear from the Paradise Elementary Grade 5 Choir and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band, who will help create a festive mood during the ceremony. Our Master of Ceremonies is Erin Sulley, of CBC Television�s Living Newfoundland and Labrador.

Let me once again encourage everyone to join us this evening for this annual holiday tradition.