Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Honourable colleagues, it's indeed a pleasure for me to be here this afternoon to speak about a great Canadian hero, the Honourable Lincoln MacCauley Alexander. He loved this country. He was one of the most outstanding and accomplished citizens of our time. With hard work and strength of character, he rose above the prejudice of his era and embraced public education, committed himself to service, and became a master of his own destiny.
Honourable colleagues, it is thus with this deep appreciation that I speak to you to earn your support for this celebratory Bill S-213 that recognizes January 21, the day of his birth, as Lincoln Alexander Day across this magnificent country that we love so dearly.
Lincoln Alexander is known to us for his outstanding service to Canada and to the province of Ontario. He made history as the first African Canadian elected to the Parliament of Canada, the first African Canadian federal cabinet minister in Canada, and—as the 24th lieutenant-governor of Ontario—the first African Canadian vice-regal representative in Canada. He is also a role model for many. He remains a role model for me.
Today I ask not only for your support, but also for your good partnership in moving this bill forward. lt does not call for a national holiday, but it does offer recognition not only to the outstanding example of a life of service, but equally to the greater dominion of aspiration that Canada offers all its citizens. The bill is good not only because of the great Canadian after whom it is named, but also because it is grounded in three model Canadian values: civic duty, education, and diversity.
First, Lincoln Alexander Day would offer us an opportunity to reflect on and strengthen our commitment to civic duty, giving selflessly of ourselves in support of communities, our friends, and our families.
Second, Lincoln Alexander Day would offer us an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to education and life-long learning and how it is vital to both the success of the individual and to Canada in a globally connected and competitive world.
And last, Lincoln Alexander Day would offer us an opportunity to reflect on our own commitment to a diverse Canada, a place where we all sense ownership and the belief that we can achieve all that this country offers regardless of race, colour, or creed. Civic duty, education, and diversity—these are good themes. A Lincoln Alexander Day would be good for Canada.
Like some of you, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Alexander on several occasions. He was a man who was very warm, open, and welcoming, and he told you what was on his mind. He was born in Toronto to hard-working and religious West lndian immigrants. When I first met him as a young man, he left me with a lingering sense of inspiration about the good to which we can all aspire as individuals.
Just anecdotally, while I was working as a member of my community in Toronto in 2002 stopping youth violence in the city of Toronto, Lincoln Alexander was called upon as a leader to sit with Julian Fantino, now Minister of Veterans Affairs, who was then police commissioner, and all the leaders of my community to look at violence and look at the solutions around violence.
I was a young man sitting at that table. Everybody else was clamouring, and Linc, as he was affectionately known, said, “Shut up. Let that young man speak.” It gave me an opportunity to voice my concerns around the table of seasoned leaders in my community. Linc provided me that opportunity. We then became close and saw each other at several other events. I looked at him as a role model. I was inspired by his embrace of the value of a good education and the graceful manner in which he excelled at all levels.
I was inspired by his courage and response to the call to serve during World War Il. He was well decorated for his contribution in the Royal Canadian Forces.
I was inspired by his pursuit of a law career, and how he overcame racism to graduate among the top of his class at the prestigious Osgoode law school. He soon after became Queen's Counsel. On that note, he also stood up to his professor, indicating to him when the professor made a racial slur. He put the professor in his place, almost losing his opportunity to graduate. But that's the kind of character that we're talking about, this great Canadian.
Many Canadians, regardless of race, were inspired by his service, including as Canada's first black member of Parliament, first black cabinet minister in Canada, and as Ontario's 24th lieutenant-governor, the first member of a visible minority to hold this office.
Honourable colleagues, strength and resilience were the hallmarks of his approach. But in true Canadian style, he took on otherwise sensitive circumstances with measured grace and quiet strength.
So honourable colleagues, what would Lincoln Alexander Day mean to Canada? What would such a day mean to mothers and fathers, seniors and youth, community leaders and stakeholders, military service men and women, public servants and volunteers, and everyone in between?
I will briefly speak to the three themes I mentioned earlier.
First, a Lincoln Alexander Day would offer us an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to public service. Lincoln Alexander believed in public service. It is an essential part of our evolving and maturing democracy. Through his lifelong contribution to community in so many different roles, from grassroots engagement to military service to the highest office in the land, Lincoln Alexander set a very high standard of good citizenship. Today there are millions from coast to coast, whether paid or by volunteering, already walking in his example. They're making a difference. Lincoln Alexander Day would help to celebrate all those who give of themselves. Likely it will inspire others, including our youth, to step forward in selfless contribution to the greater good. I've often said this, that our young people are not just a percentage of our population. They're 100% of our future. To have individuals like Lincoln who have paved the way for a young man like me—some of you might not think I'm young, but he certainly made an impression on my life....
Second, Lincoln Alexander Day would offer us an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to education. Lincoln understood the strong and direct relationship between investments in education, educational attainment, and economic growth, especially in the age of global economy. His mother continually exhorted him about the value and power of a good education. He listened, he acted, and he succeeded. Every child deserves to acquire the best tools for a successful life. A good education offers that. Lincoln Alexander's story speaks to how, through our world-class public education system, one can become well-equipped to make a difference for all Canadians.
Colleagues, you will agree that it will be a more enlightening understanding of Canadian history when our students learn about the service of this great Canadian hero in their schools. They'll learn not only about his passion for service to this country, but they will also see an example that with hard work, good character, and strength of purpose, anything is truly possible in this country. I am also a living example of that in coming to this country 38 years ago from the tiny island of Jamaica, not knowing what my future would hold, but embracing a good education that afforded me the opportunity to now serve in the highest boardroom of the land. That's what Lincoln Alexander represents to this country.
Honourable colleagues, lastly a Lincoln Alexander Day would offer an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to a diverse society. Lincoln Alexander understood the power of Canada, where all citizens sensed that if they put in work, they would be assured their fair access to work, an opportunity to contribute to Canada. He's a role model for young people of every colour and race.
Over his lifetime, he noted the notion of equality had evolved for the better. He saw the evolution of a forceful collection of laws and policies from the 1982 Charter of Rights to the Canadian Human Rights Act, all working to ensure equality under the law.
Lincoln Alexander Day would give us another reason to highlight Canada as one of the best countries in the world. We recognize that Canada is still progressing as a nation, but we can rally around that which unites us, as opposed to that which divides us. Colleagues, our society's appreciation for the service of Lincoln Alexander can perhaps be seen in the number of buildings and schools, transit routes, and public spaces that bear his name. He received numerous honorary degrees and many dozens of other honours.
It is clear his life remains a glowing example of service, determination, humility. Without malice he fought the good fight and made this country a better place for all of us. It is against this background that I appear before you to ask for your support for this Bill S-213 of the Senate of Canada, to declare January 21 each year as Lincoln Alexander Day across this great country of Canada.
I thank you.
