Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honour one of our recently passed former colleagues, Howard McCurdy.
Howard, an Order of Canada recipient, was an impressive man who devoted his life to social justice with conviction and grace.
Howard was the first African Canadian New Democrat to be elected to sit in the House and the second to be elected to Parliament in our history. He was a brilliant man, holding a Ph.D in microbiology and chemistry, published over 50 times for his academic work.
Social justice, however, was his true calling. He never stopped advocating for people and a more equal Canada. He was a leader in every sense and was a founding member of the National Black Coalition.
Howard was an incredible orator, equal to anyone who was ever to sit in this chamber. He was an inspiration to many and a true icon of the Canadian civil rights movement.
Black History Month reminds us that people committed to equality and justice like Howard McCurdy made Canada a better country.
I offer sincere condolences to his family and friends and to all those affected by his passing from our Canadian House of Commons.