Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to celebrate Black History Month, to pay tribute to the contributions of past generations who paved the way, to commemorate the accomplishments, experiences and stories of black Canadians and to reaffirm our commitment to the next generations.
From Mathieu Da Costa, who accompanied Samuel de Champlain more than four centuries ago, to the struggle to abolish slavery, black Canadians have played a fundamental role in Canada's history.
While we all celebrate such great Canadians as the Right Hon. Michaëlle Jean, the Hon. Lincoln Alexander, Donovan Bailey, et cetera, let us also recognize those in our communities who make a difference ever day, In my community are Dr. Mohamed Gilao and Osman Ali, who work tirelessly, and the Hon. Jean Augustine, Canada's first black woman member of Parliament.
This month let us all take the time to learn about the people and events that shaped our country's great history.