Mr. Speaker, the untimely passing of Jim Deva leaves a large void in Vancouver's LGBTTQ community. Jim was an activist and a fighter. He never gave ground on principles concerning equality and social justice. He was an instrument of change that impacted everyone across the nation.
It was Jim who educated me about the blatant discriminatory treatment by Canadian customs against LGBT bookstores. He was going to take the federal government to court if he had to. He did, and he never backed down. The story of Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium v. Canada has become a legend.
Jim was at every LGBT protest, march, or demonstration, leading, supporting, and bringing his unflagging belief that the goal of equality was worth the fight.
Jim's life was cut short too soon. My condolences go to Bruce, Janine, and all of Jim's family.
Jim will be missed. There are still windmills to tilt at and causes to fight for, like transgender rights, but wherever the fight for justice rages, his spirit will be there, urging us on, and his name will be on our lips.