Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the loss of a community champion in the Bay of Quinte region, a person of deep faith and conviction, and also a dear friend, Rev. Dr. Aruna Alexander. Immigrating to Canada as a young woman and studying divinity at the University of Toronto, Aruna was ordained by the United Church of Canada, dedicated her life to breaking down barriers and fighting racism across society, and later became the passionate leader of the Bay of Quinte chapter of the United Nations Association in Canada.
Aruna was a force of nature and someone who did not suffer lightly the denigration of the noble intentions of equity, diversity and inclusion. She lived them every day.
I want to send my condolences to her husband, David, her family and her congregations. I will miss her wisdom and humour greatly, and I hope everyone in the House can help me send condolences to her loved ones.