Thank you. Because of you, Mom, I learned to never give up hope. I watched you struggle for many years with your addiction and thought you would never quit. Then, miraculously, you quit, never touching another drink for well over 20 years, now. Because of you, Mom, even in my darkest moment as a single parent, I found the strength to go back to school, get a degree, and change my own and my children's lives forever. Because of you, Mom, I learned to never give up on myself or others.

Because of you, Mom, I learned to face my fears and still move forward. I watched your pain in so many ways, and yet saw you face each day fresh. Because of you, Mom, I learned, when I fall or others push me down, to stand up straight, brush off my hurt, and carry on.

Mr. Speaker, the theme for International Women's Day is Because of You. Today, I dedicate my Member's statement to my mother. Because of you, Mom, I was able to see the strength of women and look at each tribulation in my own life as a challenge to overcome. Because of you, Mom, my life has also been full of adventure, learning and successes. Because of you, Mom, and because of the values you instilled, I never gave up, and because of you, I stand here today. Have I told you lately, Mom, how much I love you? I love you, Mom, to the moon and back. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.