Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to congratulate you on your election to this office. You will prove yourself to be equal to the task of managing and overseeing the business of this House. On my behalf and on behalf of all the citizens of Madawaska- Victoria, kindly convey my respects to His Excellency the Governor General and Mrs. Hnatyshyn.
Last October 25, the people of Canada sent an enlightened message to the Conservative government. Canadians placed their trust and future in the hands of a leader who, in my estimation, will provide the energetic leadership we need to confront the future with optimism.
As I stated several times during the election campaign, our leader, now our Prime Minister, is a man of substance and not of images. What impresses me most about him are his qualities, the fact that he is a realist as well an honest, respectful and visionary person.