Mr. Speaker, with respect to the intervention from my colleague opposite, I want to provide a bit of context in terms of background for that statement.
I did do my Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal celebration on February 23, which consequently was also Black History Month. The reason I took note as a separate item of these distinguished medal recipients is precisely for the same reason we have a Black History Month. We have not yet reached the point where there is integration. Therefore, to celebrate the individual successes of Canadian blacks is important. It is important to commend that. I hope it is understood by the member opposite that is the spirit we have achieved. We will reach the point where it becomes our shared history, where we all embrace that aspect.
In terms of the specific term used, I did counsel with the former curator of the North American Black Historical Museum to ensure that I was accurate both in the speech I gave on February 23 at home and also with respect to my statement in the House when recognizing members. I did want to be very sensitive to that, so I hope the member understands there was no intention of any type of a slight.
This is a major celebration for all walks of life, but I thought it was appropriate because it was Black History Month. I did counsel with those who would have knowledge, including one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients I spoke of, Ms. Elise Harding-Davis, who is a very well-noted expert on black history in Canada, a history going back as well to fugitive slaves and underground railroad history.
I hope the member understands that is the context here. I do celebrate the accomplishments of all Canadians, including black Canadians.