Mr. Speaker, I am happy to announce that for the first time ever the Ontario East British Home Child Family organization lay a wreath to mark the contributions and sacrifices of British home children and their descendants at the National War Memorial this past Remembrance Day. This wreath was laid by a British home child descendant, Gloria Tubman.
Between 1869 and the late 1940s, over 100,000 orphaned and abandoned children arrived in Canada from Great Britain and Ireland. These homeless children, ages six months to 18 years, relocated to rural communities across Canada. They often worked as farmhands and domestics for room and board, and faced considerable challenges and hardships. However, due to their courage, bravery, and determination, many went on to live productive lives.
The British home children and their descendants have built a legacy in Canada. I am thrilled that their contributions were honoured at the National War Memorial on Remembrance Day 2013. I am also thrilled to note that we have five descendants in Ottawa with us today.