Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure as president of the Liberal caucus of Eastern Ontario to welcome our new colleague, the hon. member for Ottawa-Vanier. Even though he has not yet been sworn in as a member of Parliament, Mr. Bélanger attended our caucus meeting at 7.45 this morning.
Our new colleague brings a great deal of valuable business and political experience to Parliament. He has worked on the Hill. He knows Ottawa and the national capital region well.
It must be rare for a new MP to attend an official meeting before breakfast on the morning after a tough election campaign.
Mr. Bélanger's willingness to serve augers well for the future of this House. The positive results of all last evening's byelections auger well for the future of Canada.
Bienvenue and welcome to the new member for Ottawa-Vanier, Mauril Bélanger.