Mr. Speaker, last night we bid adieu to the Forum as the Canadiens played their last game in that building. The cheers and tears of those in the stands testified to its special place in the hearts, minds and memories of Montrealers.
Over the past 72 years the Forum has had high points of cultural expression which link the diversity of our people.
The forum was a place for all Montrealers, whether they were anglophones or francophones.
Memories span the interests of many beyond hockey. There were events for every age and stage of life.
Let us not forget the turning point of the 1980 referendum, the big "rally of the Yvettes", at which 15,000 women gathered to say yes to Canada and sing no to separation.
We could also add fantasy and grace, spring and fall, at the Ice Capades and Ice Follies. Drama, hype, the big voice and rock and roll shows-
-the joys of the circus for children, and so on.
Just as the torch was passed on from generation to generation of great Montreal Canadians hockey players, today, the forum's tradition is being handed on to the Molson Centre, a symbol of renewal. We are ready. We will keep on winning.