Mr. Speaker, I would also like to share a few thoughts about Mr. Manning and some of the experiences I had with him.
I moved to Alberta from British Columbia in 1977 after Mr. Manning had gone out of power. All I knew was the incredible respect the name Ernest Manning had in the entire province of Alberta because of his history and his amazing political career.
When I first was elected to the House of Commons in a byelection on March 13, 1989, Mr. Manning's son, Preston, was with me in my campaign office. As one can imagine, we were pretty excited that night. Mr. Manning Sr. was down in Arizona and his son, Preston, phoned him. I think the conversation went something like this: "Dad, we won, we really won". He was so excited he said: "Put her on, I would like to talk to her".
I was a little nervous. My life had just been turned upside down already and then I got to speak with this famous Canadian. He said: "Hello, Deborah, this is Ernest Manning. I want to let you know we are thrilled that you just won the byelection. I do believe this is going to make some change in Canadian politics". That was an incredible moment for me when Ernest Manning knew my name and spoke to me on the telephone. It was a remarkable experience for me, one I will never forget.
Shortly after that I was passed the torch from one of the original Reformers, Mr. Doug Campbell, the former premier of Manitoba. I think about Doug Campbell, Stan Waters, who came to the Senate shortly after that, and Ernest Manning and the affect those people have had on my life. Of the three, Mr. Manning was the last to pass on. I have lost an incredible number of role models and heroes in Doug Campbell, Stan Waters and Mr. Manning. However, my life
is so much richer for having known them. They have had an incredible influence on my life.
In the spring of 1994, shortly after Lew and I were married, he was taking me to the Edmonton municipal airport for yet another trip to Ottawa. While we were saying our goodbyes and I was ready to get on the plane, Mr. Manning Sr. came up the escalator and around a post and we nearly crashed into each other. He was walking as upright and tall as he could walk carrying his briefcase. He was well into his eighties but was looking sharp and knew exactly where he was going.
When we realized we recognized each other he said: "Deborah, it is so nice to see you". He shook my hand and then looked at my brand new husband and said: "Lewis, it is so nice to see you". My husband said: "You too, Mr. Manning". We had a short visit and then he was on his way back to Calgary.
When he left I said to my husband: "Have you guys met before?" Lew said no. However, because we had sent a Christmas card to them, Mr. Manning, ages later, remembered my husband's name. That was an impression that will last on us forever. This was the kind of man he was.
He knew people because he cared about them. Because Mr. Manning had some sort of feeling for me and for what was going on in my life and that I was newly married, he took the time to memorize my husband's name. That was another moving experience for me which I appreciated so much.
In terms of his role modelling he was a man who integrated his strong personal Christian faith with his political career. I think that would stand to serve us all well, that those of us who have a strong Christian faith must never be ashamed to say yes, it is part of my political belief and I am not hesitant to share it.
I pay tribute to his wife, Muriel, today and to their son, Preston. Thank you for sharing your family with us. I know Preston has grown up in a very political and a very public home. I thank the Manning family, especially Mrs. Manning, Mr. Ernest Manning's widow. Thank you for sharing Ernest Manning with us.