Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to stand in the House today to speak about a true trailblazer in Oshawa.
Yesterday, November 14, was the 100th anniversary of the birth of Michael Starr, the most distinguished, prolific, and successful politician that Oshawa has ever produced. Yesterday Michael Starr had his star unveiled on Oshawa's Walk of Fame.
This week has been declared “Michael Starr Week”.
Michael served as a city alderman and went on to be the mayor of Oshawa from 1949 to1952. He was also the federal member of Parliament from 1952 to 1968, and was the first Ukrainian Canadian ever to serve as a cabinet minister.
Michael also served as an honorary colonel of the Ontario Regiment, honorary president of the Oshawa Boy Scouts, honorary chairman of the Oshawa Folk Arts Council, and a founder and later president of the Ukrainian Business and Professional Club in Oshawa.
Michael was considered by many ethnic leaders as their spokesman in Ottawa on both national and international issues.
I stand here today to honour the legacy of Michael Starr.