Shuvaloy Majumdar, Calgary Heritage
Linked statement
“I am honouring Sir Patrick Stewart, who died this week at age 86. He was a great actor, played famous roles like Captain Picard and Professor Xavier, and stood up for human rights.”
“Mr. Speaker, actor, author, domestic abuse survivor, human rights champion, men’s mental health advocate, husband, father and a good and decent man, Sir Patrick Stewart died this past Wednesday at age 86. Born in a Yorkshire mill town in 1940 to a home shadowed by his father’s violence, he left school at age 15. A teacher put Shakespeare in his hand, and the boy never let it go. He spent 16 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, then went on to the bridge of the Enterprise, where Captain Picard led with reason, conviction and the will to make it so. He was then Professor Xavier, whose school called the outcast gifted. When the pandemic closed our doors, he read us a sonnet a day. He had a career of adventures, moral quandaries, debates, moments of mourning and moments of reflection. For millions of people, his brilliant, commanding performances brought smiles, tears and the courage to dream boldly. In uncertain times with new frontiers, I am reminded how “Encounter at Farpoint” ends: “Let’s see what’s out there. Engage!” I thank Sir Patrick Stewart. May he rest in peace.”
Mr. Speaker, actor, author, domestic abuse survivor, human rights champion, men’s mental health advocate, husband, father and a good and decent man, Sir Patrick Stewart died this past Wednesday at age 86. Born in a Yorkshire mill town in 1940 to a home shadowed by his father’s violence, he left school at age 15. A teacher put Shakespeare in his hand, and the boy never let it go. He spent 16 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, then went on to the bridge of the Enterprise, where Captain Picard led with reason, conviction and the will to make it so. He was then Professor Xavier, whose school called the outcast gifted. When the pandemic closed our doors, he read us a sonnet a day. He had a career of adventures, moral quandaries, debates, moments of mourning and moments of reflection. For millions of people, his brilliant, commanding performances brought smiles, tears and the courage to dream boldly. In uncertain times with new frontiers, I am reminded how “Encounter at Farpoint” ends: “Let’s see what’s out there. Engage!” I thank Sir Patrick Stewart. May he rest in peace.