Mr. Speaker, one of the finest human qualities is generosity. The late Ann Southam, who died in November 2010, knew that.
Ann Southam, a celebrated music composer and Order of Canada recipient, left a generous endowment of $14 million to the Canadian Women's Foundation, the largest single donation a community-based Canadian women's organization has ever received from any individual. Her gift will fuel the foundation's important work of investing in programs that move women and girls out of violence and poverty and into confidence and success.
By supporting the Canadian Women's Foundation, Ann Southam's legacy of generosity will empower countless women and girls across Canada.
I encourage Canadians to celebrate the generosity and vision of Ann Southam today.