I am from Brampton: These are the words that I say when I meet somebody new and they ask me where I’m from. I say, “I’m from Brampton.” Anybody who has said those words and meant them is used to a certain reaction: a slight narrowing of the eyes, a subtle smirk or a brief chuckle. We’re used to smug reactions. I’m used to it.

But Brampton is a global city. We have the most talented people in the world, and we make no apologies for the fact that if you put Brampton minds, Brampton talent against any other city, Brampton will come out on top. We’re proud of the greatness that our city produces, and I would like to share with the House an example of that greatness, which is Brampton North’s own Kirk Diamond.

When Kirk first came to Canada from Spanish Town, Jamaica, in 1994, there weren’t a lot of options for people hoping to hear reggae music. In fact, tuning in to DJ Ron Nelson every Friday night was Kirk’s only medium of listening to reggae music.

Fast forward 30 years to last Sunday, where Brampton’s own Kirk Diamond won his third Juno award for reggae recording of the year with his album Dread, a collaboration with Finn.

I am proud of my friend Kirk as he is once again recognized for his impact on Canadian music. Kirk describes his music as a platform to spread a message of unity, inclusion and love, and this focus is what led him to being at the forefront of reggae music in Canada.

Kirk is proud to call Brampton home, and we are proud to claim him. Way to go, Kirk. Big up.