Tribute to Senator Victor Oh
Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend and colleague Senator Victor Oh.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Senator Oh on his important work, alongside the work of Senator Woo, in bringing recognition and awareness to the one-hundredth anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Through that collaboration and support, it became clear that we were linked on a deeply human level.
Just as First Nations had and have endured, the Chinese community — as with countless other Asian nations — has also faced unthinkable levels of persecution, discrimination and racism within Canada. As is also the same for First Nations, this harmful and damaging treatment was perpetuated by federal laws and policies, which normalized a substandard treatment at the societal level. Accordingly, through our respective lived experiences and the historical treatment of our ancestors, Senator Oh and I were able to connect on a profound and meaningful level.
I see in Senator Oh many qualities and characteristics I hold dear. Beyond his kind and jovial demeanour and his endearing sense of humour, Senator Oh is an unrelenting and unflinching advocate and supporter of his community and the people therein. The perspective he brings and the work he does are rooted in upholding his culture, heritage and the countless Canadians who look to Senator Oh to bring their voices to this august chamber.
One need look no further than the roster of parliamentary groups and associations he has been involved with over the years to understand the value Senator Oh places in the importance of community building. That work saw Senator Oh involved in relations building with myriad countries ranging from the United States to Bulgaria to Peru and beyond.
Senator Oh, I wish to thank you for your friendship and for the kindness you have always shown to me in and out of this chamber. I look forward to seeing the great things that lie ahead for you, and I greatly look forward to continuing our friendship outside of this crazy place.
Thank you.