Mr. Speaker, black Canadians have long been at the forefront of Canada's success as a nation.
On February 1, I had the privilege of meeting the recipients of the Black History Ottawa Community Builder Awards.
The recipients included: Dr. Horace Alexis, a highly respected community member who raises money for disadvantaged university-bound black students; Stachen Frederick, a powerful campus organizer who is promoting achievement and leadership among her peers; and Joanne Robinson, whose tireless advocacy is improving the health of our community. I send my congratulations to them.
On another note, I welcome U.S. Congressman Michael Michaud to Ottawa. This morning my NDP colleagues and I met with Congressman Michaud to discuss the issue of free trade negotiations with Colombia. The U.S. Congress agrees with the NDP that these negotiations must be immediately halted in light of the ongoing human rights abuses in Colombia.
I call on all parties to stand up for human rights and fight the free trade negotiations in Colombia.