Mr. Speaker, last week it was an honour for me to attend a wonderful celebration of excellent Canadian teachers.
Gary DaCosta, technology department head at Burlington's Lester B. Pearson High School, was among the teachers presented with a Prime Minister's award for teaching excellence.
On a daily basis Mr. DaCosta gives his students real life employment skills and inspires them to work hard and have fun. His philosophy of respecting students and treating them as mature individuals is working. His students have won awards and found fulfilling careers. Interestingly, 50% of his technology students are young women.
Mr. DaCosta coaches school sports and is involved in school activities. He was the driving force behind the new safety policy in every auto shop in the Halton district school board.
I know all hon. members join Mr. DaCosta's very proud family in congratulating talented Canadian teachers, teachers like Gary DaCosta.