Yesterday, Speaker, we observed and celebrated the many accomplishments of women in this House and around the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention two women who had a profound influence on my life:

First, my mother: Widowed and left to raise six children on her own, the resilience, work ethic and kindness of my mother was what was instilled into me. I was the youngest of six siblings and was also probably the most challenging of all of my siblings. My biggest regret in life is that she passed away before I was first elected. I know that she was extremely proud of me and she continues to bless me from above.

The second influence in my life was my constituent and former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. In 1998, when I hosted a national conference on spousal abuse, she spoke about the increase of people fleeing abusive situations and opened up yet another shelter in Mississauga. Since then, I’ve heard from women all over who said they would probably be dead if it wasn’t for those shelters—true leadership.

I’ve talked about the two most influential women who helped shape who I am, but now I’m fully influenced by my two granddaughters, Tara and Tia, ages four and two. To see the world through their eyes, to make decisions as a parliamentarian that not only affect us but to build homes, hospitals, highways and communities to make sure that our future generations—