Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Hon. Lincoln Alexander, the first recipient of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation award of excellence for lifetime achievement in race relations.
A common thread that runs through Mr. Alexander's activities and accomplishments is his commitment to racial equality, acceptance, fairness and social justice. Throughout his lifetime and career as a lawyer, politician and Queen's representative, Mr. Alexander has broken down barriers and built bridges between communities.
He served Canada in the air force during the second world war, was the first black Canadian elected to the House of Commons, is a former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and a recipient of the Order of Canada.
As he steps down as the first chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Mr. Alexander deserves the thanks and gratitude of all Canadians for excellence in public service.