Mr. Speaker, it is with humility and gratitude that I rise today for the very first time in this honourable House of Commons. I thank the people of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun for putting their trust in me. It is a great honour for me. I also want to thank my wife, Carol Anne, my team, our volunteers and my predecessors, the Right Hon. Paul Martin and the Hon. David Lametti, for their help and support.
Our community is a wonderful kaleidoscope that represents the best of Canada. Every day, I see acts of courage, generosity and resilience. Whether it is young people who are getting involved at school, seniors who are sharing their wisdom, newcomers who are building their future among us or small businesses like those on Monk and Champlain boulevards and Wellington Street in Verdun—