Mr. Speaker, on the weekend, the Pakistani community in Canada lost a giant with the passing of Khalid Usman, and for me, he was Khalid Bhai. A friend and mentor to so many, he always had a smile on his face and never lost his sense of humour.
A Markham city councillor for 14 years, he lived a life of public service and gave back to the community in so many ways. As a dedicated philanthropist, he raised millions for charity, including Markham Stouffville Hospital and Shaukat Khanum, a cancer hospital in Pakistan.
For Canadians of Pakistani origin, he was a trailblazer, showing us what a career and a life dedicated to building a better Canada could be. I appreciated his encouragement and support from the earliest days of my career.
My prayers are with his wife, Dr. Abida Khalid, his three daughters, Hina, Rabia and Maria, his grandchildren and all the extended family members, and all those whose lives he touched.
May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.