Christmas time is upon us – the season of faith, family and friends; good wishes, gifts, and gatherings.
For Christians, the celebration of the birth of Christ is the reason for the season. The life of Christ calls us to love and trust God, and to love one another.
We are reminded that amid all the Christmas cheer, life continues to be an uphill struggle for many people in our communities.
We don’t ignore our neighbours’ needs, whether they be personal, spiritual or material. Our community organizations and churches are reaching out to those in need, to ensure that the joy, peace and love of the Christmas message is spread to all.
I want to express my sincere thanks to all who are actively involved and supporting efforts to ensure everyone has a Merry Christmas.
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As in the past, my wife Lisa and I are hosting community events in January.
On Jan. 12 from 2 to 4pm we have our New Year Celebration at the Victoria Park Seniors Centre in Fergus. Our special guest is the Honourable Michael Chong, MP.
Everyone is welcome. We look forward to seeing you.
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The Ontario Legislature finished up its fall sitting on Dec. 12, and one of the final items of business was the Royal Assent to Bill 125, the Lincoln Alexander Day Act.
This new law commemorates the birth date of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander, one of our greatest public servants.
Born on Jan. 21, 1922, Lincoln Alexander overcame racism to become the first black Member of Parliament and first black federal cabinet minister in Canadian history.
He later served as chair of the Ontario Worker’s Compensation Board, as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, and as the longest serving Chancellor of the University of Guelph. He passed away in October 2012.
In securing the passage of Bill 125, l worked across party lines with my colleagues Liberal MPP Bas Balkissoon, and NDP MPP Paul Miller, who both agreed to co-sponsor the bill.
Very few Private Members’ Bills are passed into law, but by working together we were able to see Bill 125 pass Second and Third Reading on the very same day: Nov. 28.
In honouring Lincoln Alexander, we honour not just a great man, but also the values he lived by: service, perseverance, humility and humanity.
We condemn racism in all its forms, wherever it may still exist. And we celebrate public education as the key to success in life.
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From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, and all the best in 2014.