Madam Speaker, Canada has shaped the world far and beyond our borders. One such contribution lives on in a phrase we still use every day: “the real McCoy”.
As we mark Black History Month in Canada, we recognize the achievements of Elijah McCoy. Born in Canada to formerly enslaved parents, he achieved greatness while facing barriers and discrimination. Elijah McCoy transformed modern engineering by inventing automatic lubrication systems that revolutionized railways, ships, factories and industrial machinery.
Black History Month matters because it tells a full story of Canada, honouring excellence and acknowledging struggle and our shared Canadian history. As we reflect on this legacy today, let us strive for excellence by always asking for and being the real McCoy.
Happy Black History Month.