Mr. Speaker, in 1940, Priscilla Wright was born, and 15 years later she had a hit record. She later sang with Elvis and now chairs a family foundation inspired by her parents and grandfather Arthur Meighen, the ninth prime minister of Canada.
In 2001, Abi Ajibolade arrived in Canada as a new immigrant from Nigeria. Fifteen years later, she became executive director of The Redwood, which provides safety and support for women and children fleeing violence in Toronto.
Under Abi's leadership and with Priscilla's support, The Redwood created its women in trades and technology program. It helps women rebuild their lives and gives them tuition and other assistance to get jobs in traditionally male-dominated fields.
This weekend, the seventh cohort of this program graduated, and 40 women were recognized, including one as the Priscilla Wright HVAC technician program valedictorian. She shared that she never thought she would work in HVAC or work with combustible gas. She said she was forged in the flame, got control of it and came out stronger. She is now a licensed G2 gas technician.
I want to pay tribute today to women pioneers in the arts, social services, tech and the trades. They are breaking barriers, defying expectations and building Canada.