Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, a small group of Muslim families opened Manitoba's first mosque on Hazelwood Avenue in Winnipeg, now known as the Pioneer Mosque. The community grew, and the Manitoba Islamic Association opened the Winnipeg Grand Mosque on Waverley Street in 2007. I remember people wondering why it was built so far out of town. Today, it stands at the heart of the thriving neighbourhood of Waverley West in Winnipeg South, serving thousands in Manitoba's growing Muslim community.
My friendships with families like the El Tassis and the Zeids go back decades. Through Ramadan Iftars, community gatherings and my work helping families reunite in Canada, those friendships have grown manyfold. The MIA continues to build bridges of understanding, welcoming neighbours of every faith to its open houses and other community events.
I thank Manitoba's Muslim community for their friendship, their trust and their tremendous contributions to our province, and I congratulate them on 50 remarkable years.