Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the hon. member for Lac-Saint-Jean and to say on behalf of my caucus how pleased we are that he is recuperating.
When I arrived at Edmonton International Airport on Thursday evening I received the news of his frightening illness. I was stunned, as were all Canadians. I lay awake almost all night thinking of him, praying that he would live through the night and that the doctors treating him would have real wisdom.
I will always remember the years that the Leader of the Opposition and I sat side by side in the House, from the summer of 1990 until the election of 1993. We talked about the birth of his two sons, Alexandre and Simon. His eyes would light up when he spoke of them, of the incredible joy they have brought to him and his wife, Audrey.
This disease ravages those whom it affects. Mr. Bouchard's life has been spared and it seems nothing short of miraculous.
Good luck, Lucien. We continue to pray for your recovery. God bless you.