Mr. Speaker

As politicians, I know we all appreciate those who help us in performing our duties once elected, as well as in getting elected.  Today I’d like to recognize three of those individuals from my team who have passed away since I entered politics in the 42nd Parliament.

Gunraj Gill came to me in 2014 as a campaign volunteer, still a teenager.  I asked what role he wanted to play.  He responded, “Campaign Manager”.  I hired him.  After my election, he came with me to Ottawa and oversaw both my Ottawa and constituency offices.  He had a passion for democracy, and a passion for politics.  Gunraj tragically passed away in July, 2019 as we were preparing for the 2019 election.

Lynn Whitehouse worked for, and managed, the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce for more than 30 years.  She was a fierce advocate for good public policy that would support the small businesses in our community.  She ran campaigns against governments of all stripes to change what she felt were missing or bad directions for our country.  After Lynn’s retirement, she decided she couldn’t simply stay at home.  She joined my constituency team and was there to ensure I never forgot the needs of our business community.  Lynn lost her battle to cancer just before Christmas of 2021.

 Charity Amouzou, also known as Charity May, was a volunteer on campaigns in 2015 and 2019.  She played a key role with my Religious Leaders’ Roundtables that I ran during the 42nd Parliament, as well as my Youth Council.  She had  a passion for youth, for politics, for law.  Charity lost her battle to cancer in January, 2022, leaving behind her son Malaki, whom she loved more than anything else in the world. 

Thank you for allowing me this moment to recognize these 3 individuals who played a significant part of my political life.  Gunraj, Lynn, Charity – you are all missed daily.