Olympic Torch at Parliament Today – Tony Martin Holds the Torch

OTTAWA – The Olympic flame makes a special appearance on Parliament Hill today carried by a “yet to be named” torchbearer from the rotunda down the prime minister’s corridor and through the Canada doors into the House of Commons.

At a special Parliament breakfast this morning, Sault MP Tony Martin took his turn to hold the torch.

“Holding it in your hand you understand immediately its magic, why it has attracted hundreds and thousands of Canadians in every community it has been so far,” Martin said. “It is the symbol of the premiere sporting competition in the world that  is now Canada’s honour to host. I know the communities and citizens in Sault Ste. Marie Algoma will be out in large numbers to welcome the Olympic Flame when it passes.”

Martin has been invited to speak at the evening Jan. 2, 2010 Olympic Flame ceremonies in Sault Ste. Marie.

By a unanimous motion passed last week, Members of Parliament officially paved the way for the Olympic flame to enter the House of Commons today.

The House will resolve itself into committee of the whole to welcome the torchbearer, before the flame returns to Quebec for other day events. It arrives in the City of Ottawa this weekend.