Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise in the House today to pay tribute to the hon. Lincoln Alexander, who passed away. Born in Ontario to West Indian immigrants, Lincoln Alexander proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the second world war.
In 1968, he became the first black Canadian to win a seat in the House of commons as a Progressive Conservative. He represented the riding of Hamilton West, where he served for 12 years. After leaving Parliament, Lincoln Alexander became Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in 1985, becoming the first black Canadian to serve in a vice-regal position in Canada.
He was also awarded the Order of Ontario and became a Companion of the Order of Canada. He truly believed in public service and giving back to his country, and in this role he was a model for all Canadians.
On this sad day, I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Lincoln Alexander, one of Canada's greatest citizens. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today.