Mr. Speaker, when former Liberal leader Steve Neary died in his sleep last Friday, Newfoundland lost a renowned native son, the poor and the downtrodden lost their most passionate champion, and I lost a close friend.
Steve Neary gave a lifetime to public service. As a labour leader and then as a politician he quickly earned a deserved reputation as a populist and a communicator.
When I first went into politics Steve was one of my mentors. His straight talk, his uncanny ability to get right to the heart of an issue with lightning speed and his disdain for people who take themselves too seriously made me an early convert to his brand of politics.
Steve's unblinking courage, his stubborn persistence, his unwavering loyalty and his non-stop love of life will be his legacy to us.
Steve, we miss you already.