Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday last many Canadians of various cultural backgrounds, including Mr. Speaker, came together to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland.
Today, March 19, is the feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Canada. He is also the patron saint of fathers and the patron saint of workers.
His feast day has special meaning for all those who do work, both paid and unpaid, for all fathers and indeed for all Canadians.
St. Joseph has been honoured in Canada since the early days of our history, most visibly through the work of the Sisters of St. Joseph. They have built hospitals and nursed the sick for more than a century. They have taught young boys and girls in elementary schools but they are most famous for the education of young women in both high schools and universities.
Several women in this Chamber are products of the education provided by these dedicated nuns.
On the occasion of his feast I wish the Sisters of St. Joseph and all Canadians a happy St. Joseph's Day.