Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life and passing of my grandfather, Jacob Sawatzky Sr., whose story embodies the very best of Canada.
Born in Ukraine, he survived the Holodomor famine and Stalin's Great Terror, in which his father and many others in the family were killed. At 16 years old, he fled his village to find a new life. All he had was a bag of dry bread that his mother had given him.
My grandfather arrived in Canada alone, speaking no English and with little education. Canada gave him refuge, and he gave back. While working in a factory, he learned English, went back to school and earned a science degree from UBC. He then taught math and physics for nearly three decades, shaping generations of young Canadians.
Today, I wear my grandfather's old tie in the chamber as a tribute to his values. He was proud of his family and forever grateful for a country where he could build a new life.
Rest in peace, Jacob Sawatzky Sr.
He will not be forgotten.