Mr. Speaker, exactly 100 years ago less a day, 468 Presbyterians, Methodists and Congregationalists in west Toronto put aside their differences to worship together for the first time. They gathered at a church at 432 Runnymede Road, a church they had just disassembled together and reassembled six blocks away. They were part of a national movement sweeping farming communities, small towns and cities across Canada. Scarred by war and motivated by their faith and their belief in justice, these believers put aside their differences to create The United Church of Canada.
This weekend, I had the honour of joining members of Runnymede United Church, still at 432 Runnymede Road, for their 100th anniversary celebration. Thanks go to centennial committee chair David Ambrose and all of those who put on and attended this celebration.
The community at Runnymede United is active, reconciling with its past and reaching beyond its community to its neighbours and the world beyond. It is a spirit we see throughout the riding of Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, and at a time when so many are doom-scrolling, retreating or dividing, it is one that I commend to this House.