Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize the contribution to the city of Oshawa by one of my predecessors, Colonel, the Hon. Michael Starr, who passed away on Thursday.
Mike was extremely proud of his heritage, just as Oshawa's sizeable Ukrainian population was proud of their Mike.
Michael Starr was elected as an alderman in 1944 and then mayor. Mike was the mayor of Oshawa until 1952 when he won an election as a Conservative member of parliament. In 1957 Michael Starr was named Minister of Labour. This appointment made Mike the first Canadian of Ukrainian descent to be appointed to the federal cabinet. In 1957 Mike was named Ukrainian of the Year for North America. He was appointed as a citizenship court judge and served on several important provincial boards. He also served as honorary colonel of the Ontario Regiment.
Michael Starr's name is remembered on a provincial government building in Oshawa and also by his contributions to Oshawa and his country. He will not be forgotten.
Thank you Mike. See ya around.