Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to stand in the House today, and I would like to join colleagues who have gone before me in congratulating you. I look forward to your guidance in the House.
I also want to congratulate all of my colleagues on their elections and re-elections. I look forward to working hard with all members on all sides of the House to do good for Canadians.
I am humbled and honoured to serve here. I want to thank the people of Don Valley North for trusting me to be their representative in the House of Commons. I will never take it for granted. I will continue to listen to the views of my constituents and bring their ideas into the decision-making in the House as we confront the great problems that challenge us today.
Don Valley North is one of seven federal ridings of the former city of North York, now part of the city of Toronto. We are known as the city with heart, but this riding holds a winding heart: The East Don River carves its way through quiet ravines where deer cross paths with morning joggers and where the chorus of birdsong competes with the hum of a subway line.
Don Valley North has world-class medical professionals, successful businesses and a wonderful population with a great sense of humour. My riding is a vibrant and welcoming community. The people are innovative and hard-working and understand that if our neighbours do well, we all do well. That is why I am proud of the commitment in the throne speech to making life more affordable for Canadians by cutting taxes and to building the strongest economy in the G7.
I am by nature an optimistic person. I am, after all, a Maple Leafs fan. I am optimistic that we will listen to Canadians to improve our country so that everyone who seeks a better tomorrow for themselves and for their communities can use their skills and contribute fully to our economy.
Young people from all over Canada come here on class trips to watch question period and are told that this is politics, but politics for me is what happens when we come to a consensus and make decisions. Collectively, we shape the rules, and we have an opportunity to improve things and find new and better ways of responding to the needs of our electorate. We all have a shared responsibility to show Canadians that politics can be an instrument of good.
The people of Don Valley North are proud Canadians who want to keep Canada strong and free. They know it is a privilege to be a Canadian, not only because we look after each other with universal social programs and produce the world's best lobsters, but also because it is a good place to achieve our ambitions. My standing here proves the strength of Canadian values.
However, while I think Canada is paradise and there is no better place in the world to live, we know we can do better. The people of Don Valley North and Canadians across the country strive for excellence, and we build on our past successes to reach even greater heights.
As members know, elections are only a small part of what brings us to this place. I want to thank my family. My parents have always stood by my side, and I acknowledge my mom and dad, who gave up everything to start from scratch in a new country. I admire their grit for making a go of it. They have always encouraged me to dream bigger, and I would not be here without their sacrifice and belief in me.
To my dear partner, who could have imagined all those years ago at city hall that this is where we would end up? He has walked every step of this journey with me, always lifting me up and reminding me of what is possible. His love and encouragement have meant the world to me.
I thank my campaign team, who did the hard yards day in and day out; the EDA; and all my friends and volunteers for their tenacity, good humour and kindness. Without them, I would not be standing here representing one of the finest ridings in Canada for the Liberal Party.
For as long as I have the privilege of serving here, I will work every day to leave the place better than I found it.