Mr. Knowles was first elected to the House of Commons in a byelection on November 30, 1942. In his more than 50 years of political life he has served as a member of Parliament and as a vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress. He has received the Order of Canada and is a member of the Queen's Privy Council of Canada.
In 1984 a motion supported by all members of this House appointed Mr. Knowles the unprecedented status of honorary officer of the House of Commons, a post which he continues to fulfil.
His work in Parliament, especially on behalf of pensioners and veterans, and his many contributions to political life are appreciated by us all.
On a personal note, whenever I have spoken to Mr. Knowles about political life and the role of politicians, he has one word of advice, which I think applies to us all: "If we are not here for the people, we should not be here". Mr. Knowles has always been here for the people.