Mr. Speaker, today I rise to extend congratulations to the graduates of St. Francis Xavier University in my riding of Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough.
St. FX was founded in 1853 by Bishop Colin MacKinnon in Arichat, Cape Breton and in 1855 it was relocated to the beautiful community of Antigonish.
St. FX defined its true mission and purpose in the 1920s and 1930s with the creation of the Antigonish Movement and the Extension Department. It took direct action to help communities take control of their economic and social destiny gaining international recognition.
This is the same university that is world renowned for its famous “X”, the official symbol of the university. It is also the university of one of Canada's former prime ministers, the Right Hon. Brian Mulroney.
On May 2 degrees and diplomas were conferred on St. FX's graduates. This is a significant milestone that these talented young men and women have achieved. Graduation is a special time and an opportunity for students to celebrate their achievements with family and friends. Many of St. FX's new graduates will be entering the workforce to embark on their chosen careers and to begin a new and exciting phase in their lives. On behalf of the PC Party I congratulate the new St. FX's graduates and all 1999 graduates.