Mr. Speaker, this year, more than any other, Black History Month is a special time to commemorate the history of individuals who, together with all peoples, contributed to the history of humanity through their tangible contributions to our society.
Just a few months ago, we witnessed a great event, a great moment in the history of blacks and in our common history, the election of the first black American president. The newly elected president has demonstrated, as did Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela before him, that with a dream, energy and determination, you can make barriers fall and bring about what was thought to be impossible.
The Bloc Québécois will be proud to participate in the activities planned for Black History Month. May it instill pride and hope so that together we can combat intolerance and face the challenges before us.