Madam Speaker, on March 28, 2009, Armindo C. Silva is to be honoured by the Portuguese Canadian community for his many years of public service. A wise man once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”. Armindo Silva is the embodiment of this ideal.
He arrived in Canada in 1961, started his own business, studied and received a master's degree in business administration from the University of Toronto. He has had a very successful business career. However, it is his work on behalf of others that we will celebrate this year. He is a founding member of the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals. He has pioneered scholarships for young people, worked as a fundraiser for the United Way, and served on the mental health advisory board of the Toronto Hospital.
These are only a few of his accomplishments. He brings to life a passion for community service and a deep understanding that we all have a responsibility to make our communities and our country a better place for all of us.
On behalf of all members of Parliament, I am pleased to recognize and honour the community service of an outstanding man who is an example to us all, Mr. Armindo C. Silva.