Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to former senator Donald Oliver, whom we sadly lost a couple of days ago.
Known to many as Donnie, he was a trailblazer for Black Canadians and a lifelong champion for equality and justice. Senator Oliver was instrumental in the creation of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia and made history as the first Black man appointed to the Senate of Canada. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
This loss is a personal one for me, as Donnie owned a Christmas tree farm in my riding, which he cherished, and was a very close friend of my grandfather. I came to know him through his work with the south shore Christmas tree industry and when he used to pop by at the local hardware store where I worked as a kid.
On behalf of South Shore—St. Margarets and Nova Scotia, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and deep gratitude for his lifetime of leadership, service and kindness.