Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago, in the former riding of Calgary East, a man we affectionately know just by his first name was elected to this House. With his trademark quips like “our position has not changed”, or “wake up and smell the thing”, the member for Calgary Forest Lawn has become a cherished parliamentary institution. I am pleased to call him my friend.
He has been a tireless advocate of Canadian interests, not just here in Canada but throughout the world. As the former parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs, he clocked more miles, more air miles, than any other member, promoting our country with pride and championing international human rights. In fact, former minister John Baird even named him Canada's first intergalactic ambassador, on Twitter.
Born in Tanzania, he has proven that anything is possible in Canada, regardless of one's origins. He is, most importantly, a devoted husband to his wife Neena, a loving father, and grandfather to Davin and Evasha. From his trademark scars to his extensive knowledge of world affairs, I am sure all members will agree with me that the member for Calgary Forest Lawn is the complete “Deepakage”.