Madam Speaker, this weekend, Cape Bretoners mourned the loss of a great citizen, Irving Schwartz.
A native of New Waterford, he founded 30 companies that contributed greatly to our economy. He volunteered in many organizations, such as the Children's Aid Society, Junior Achievement, the Lions Club, and was a volunteer firefighter.
His support for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and many other charitable causes has touched many of our lives. His role in eliminating the destructive land mines around the world was recognized internationally.
Mr. Schwartz was a recipient of the Order of Canada. He was deservedly proud of it, and we Cape Bretoners were proud of him.
Despite a battle with cancer and his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, Irving kept working and he guaranteed it. He loved to work hard no matter what the task at hand.
I will personally miss him. He supported me and gave me a lot of advice over the years. I encourage all members of the House of Commons to offer their condolences to his wife, Diana, and their family and friends.
Irving Schwartz will be sadly missed but his legacy will continue on.