Hon. Leo Housakos (Acting Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, “Superfan” is the name coined by NBA great and then-General Manager of the Toronto Raptors Isiah Thomas in recognition of the one and only Nav Bhatia, perhaps the most well-known fan of any professional sport. The day-one Raptors fan has been riding a high ever since he saw his beloved basketball team bring the NBA championship home to “We the North” a couple of years ago. He was the first non-player ever to receive a player championship ring; that’s how much he means to the Toronto Raptors. And he has now made it into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; that’s how much he means to the NBA.

Now Nav’s story is being turned into a Hollywood film starring and produced by Kal Penn. It promises to be a story about tenacity and perseverance — the team’s, but more importantly, Nav’s story. I had the pleasure of speaking personally with Nav a few years ago when my son was buying his first car. He is as genuine, enthusiastic and pleasant as ever.

Nav came to this country seeking refuge from the dangers he, as a Sikh man, faced in his native India. He had trouble finding work in his field of engineering. Nobody wanted to hire a guy with a turban and an accent. He eventually found work as a car salesman, but quickly realized that he would face the same discrimination by many of his work colleagues. He knew he’d have to work twice as hard if he was going to make it. It’s a familiar story amongst immigrants.

Nav could have done what so many immigrants did at the time. He could have anglicized his name, cut his hair and not worn the turban. But he had promised his dear mother many years before that was one thing he would never do. So he did what he does best; he approached his job and his co-workers with his trademark charm and upbeat personality, and he established a sales record that stands to this day.

Nav went on to become manager of that dealership and eventually purchased it. It’s one of three car dealerships that he now owns. There’s so much more I can tell you about this incredible man and how he has become an ambassador for a basketball team, a city and now a whole country — but I wouldn’t want to spoil the movie. I just wanted to take an opportunity to give superfan Nav Bhatia a tip of the hat for his courage, his perseverance and his unwavering dedication to being a positive role model for so many young Canadians, a great Raptor and a great Canadian. Thank you, honourable senators.