Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be the member of Parliament for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, which includes, of course, the largest and oldest black community in Canada. The culture and history of African Nova Scotians is preserved and celebrated throughout my riding, as well as across Nova Scotia and Canada.
I am also proud to mention that the Black Cultural Centre in Preston is the largest black cultural centre in Canada.
This year, the theme for Black History Month is “Black Canadian Women: Stories of Strength, Courage and Vision”.
Like many Nova Scotians, I was inspired by the story of Viola Desmond. I happened to meet her sister, Wanda Robson, shortly after our government announced that Viola Desmond would be the first black Canadian woman to be on the ten dollar bill. Every time we use the ten dollar bill, please remind yourselves of her leadership and inspiration.
I wish everyone a happy Black History Month in Canada.