I rise today to congratulate the competitors of the annual Cain�s Quest snowmobile endurance race that took place in Labrador from March 14 to March 21.

The race is a two-person snowmobile competition where entrants negotiate over 2,300 km of off-trail and ungroomed areas in the Labrador wilderness. I was pleased to see that this year the course went into the northern Labrador Inuit communities of Postville, Makkovik and Rigolet, truly making this a pan-Labrador event. As well, I am pleased to note that the Nunatsiavut Government was also a sponsor of this year�s event, and we look forward to their future participation.

This race, with its international cast of players, could not run by itself. The Williams Government, on March 13, announced a substantial investment of $90,000 for the event, which we are proud to support both as a tool for economic development and a celebration of the Labrador culture and lifestyle.

Now in its third year, Cain�s Quest is garnering a reputation as the most challenging snowmobile race in North America. Through rugged and relentless deep snow, thick forests, and over treacherous moving waterways, teams travel for one goal: to be the fastest across the finish line.

This is a race that draws international attention. This year, observers from as far away as Norway looked on as racers from Canada and the United States took part. I was particularly pleased to see so many teams from Newfoundland and Labrador, including two teams from Natuashish, with Mark Nui, Grand Chief of the Innu Nation, taking part.

It was Jacques Cartier who is said to have described Labrador as "the land God gave to Cain." He could not have been more wrong. Labrador is a beautiful, rugged and vast expanse. Geographically, it is larger than Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the island of Newfoundland combined. Even today, much of the land and waterways of Labrador has been seldom touched by humanity.

It takes tremendous courage and dedication to organize and compete in Cain�s Quest. The entire organizing team of officials and volunteers, including the White Wolf Snowmobile Club and the Grand River Snowmobile Club, and the racing teams, should be commended for once again, pulling off an exciting and world-class event.

I ask all Honourable colleagues to join me and congratulate the first-place team of Tim Lessard and Eric Hall, Cain�s Quest champions for 2009.