Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to Mr. Jacques Parizeau who, two days ago, resigned and announced his intention to retire from political life.
Notwithstanding our conflicting views on Quebec's future, the fact is that Mr. Parizeau has played an extremely important role in the building of a modern province.
He was an economic advisor to several premiers. He helped set up the Quebec deposit and investment fund. He provided advice to the government of Mr. Lesage on the government's takeover of the hydro sector. He was a key player in the quiet revolution.
Mr. Parizeau was also a man of conviction who worked hard to achieve his objective. I want to express my deep respect toMr. Parizeau and to his wife, Lisette Lapointe, as they begin another stage of their lives.