The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Transportation and Works.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to invite the public to join us this evening for the 33rd annual Christmas Lights Across Canada ceremony here at the Confederation Building.

Every year, capital cities across Canada participate in this event by simultaneously lighting beautiful displays of Christmas lights to kick off the holiday season.

Our event begins tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the main lobby of East Block here at Confederation Building. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band and the Holy Trinity Elementary Choir will provide entertainment and there will be hot chocolate, cookies and other refreshments. A seasonal blessing will also be delivered by Capt. Jeff Payne.

Six-year-old Emma Clarke from Victoria is our guest of honour this year, who will light the 60,000 LED lights on Confederation Hill and along Prince Philip Drive.

Mr. Speaker, you may have seen this bright young girl in the news recently. Emma loves unicorns, and family friends helped make her dream come true by meeting a unicorn last week.

We are thrilled to have Emma, big brother Ryan, and her mom and dad, Courtney and Glen join us this evening.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to join us this evening as our Christmas Lights Across Canada ceremony is a perfect way to start celebrating the season.

On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, please have a safe and joyous holiday season and a happy New Year.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.