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Let me admit from the outset, it’s not going to be easy to follow in the footsteps of the Calgary Centre MPs before me. In fact, it’s damn intimidating. Joan Crockatt, Lee Richardson, Joe Clark and Harvie Andre were public servants who served this riding with grace and dedication.

In the main, they were bipartisan moderates who aimed for the greater good, not political wins. I especially never thought of Clark as belonging to a particular party, team or colour. I always thought of him as a guy I just trusted to do the right thing. It’s that kind of integrity I promise to bring to the House of Commons.

Today, I enter uncharted territory, both as an MP and as a minister.

I am proud to be a part of the cabinet that most represents Canada’s population, both in gender and cultural background. The prime minister’s cabinet is the first to aggressively strive to represent Canada’s diversity.

Being elected to the House of Commons has been a humbling experience. Being appointed the minister of Veterans Affairs is an added honour. Canada’s veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and in ways that can never truly be recognized. I look forward to dedicating my days to them and you.

Let me admit right now that I’m going to make mistakes. Probably many. It will be similar to the steep learning curve you watched me climb as a new MLA. But I am also going to do some good things. I will ensure that Calgary’s voice is heard loud and clear in caucus and cabinet.