Mr. Speaker, this is a rather special day for me. As you know, I am the only staff member of the House of Commons ever to have been elected to this place since Confederation. That I consider special. What is even more special today is to say to you and to hon. members that I have had the opportunity of working with all three people we are honouring this afternoon.
At one time I worked in the parliamentary restaurant like Mr. Léo Robitaille, who is being honoured today. As a member of this House, I have always known and worked with Mr. André Fréchette. I also came to know Mr. Renaud.
If I could pretend for an instant that I am still an employee of the House of Commons, as I was a long time ago, I would like to tell these three men that the members of the House wish them the very best. I am sure that, in my imaginary capacity as an employee of this House, I also speak for all the employees of this House.