Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity today, in anticipation of Father's Day this Sunday, to recognize fathers. My own father, who passed away six years ago, was not perfect. He did not do everything by the book of good parenting. He was outspoken, highly opinionated, but was very real. I never wondered what he was thinking. He was quick to share his thoughts. He was principled and honest, and probably the most important thing he blessed me with was his approval. Being from the old school, being British and having been raised by a single father, he was not overly affectionate, but he gave me a sense of who I was and where I belonged. He made me feel safe, protected and in his own way of showing love I felt loved. He instilled confidence in his words, planted self-esteem and self-worth. We can never overestimate the power of our words. They can build up or they can tear down. I believe the real blessing of a father are the often repeated words of encouragement and approval.

Mr. Speaker, I was also blessed with a husband who turned out to be an amazing father. He has set an example for my children that I can find no fault with. He knows how to listen, he knows how to pray and I give Rick most of the credit for the stability and happiness that I see in my children's lives. He manages to balance his work, community service and parenting around my agenda, which has not been all that typical, shall we say. On Father's Day and every day I thank God for my husband and father of my children.

I would also like to recognize my colleagues in this House who are fathers and who spend many days...