Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate James Pon, one of the last surviving head tax payers, who passed away last Friday at the age of 95.
James Pon lived a truly accomplished life. He studied engineering and business and even won a Governor General's award for an innovation that aided Canada's aircraft industry in World War II.
He advocated tirelessly for an official apology for the unjust head tax and to have the Chinese railway workers recognized for their profound contributions.
James Pon helped educate Canadians and founded numerous community-based initiatives.
He was one of six head tax payers present in this House when our Prime Minister delivered a historic apology in June 2006.
I ask my hon. colleagues to join me in recognizing the amazing contributions James Pon, a truly outstanding Canadian, made to Canada and in offering our condolences to the Pon family for their loss.