Mr. Speaker, I too would like to join with colleagues in the House of Commons to pay tribute to Claude Ellis.
I had the honour and privilege of knowing Claude Ellis for the last 24 years. I represented him and his wife Bessie in the 1993 to 1997 term. Throughout that period Bessie and Claude were advisors to me. They sat on my executive and were very wise counsel on many issues, in particular when in the last parliament the New Democratic Party did not have a lot of resources. Their experience and counsel were very important to us.
I had occasion to have supper with Mr. Ellis about 18 months ago when he was in Ottawa with his wife Bessie and we talked about a lot of important issues affecting our country. Even during the last couple of months in Regina he was always very keen on ensuring that New Democrats represented citizens well in parliament. He was very keen on ensuing that issues such as pensions were a priority and he asked us to ensure that the principles and fundamental issues which are important to all Canadians remain on the agenda of parliament.
I want to join with members in acknowledging Mr. Ellis' contribution to the city of Regina, the province of Saskatchewan and to our country. As citizens we have suffered a great loss as a result of his passing. I appreciate the opportunity to extend my condolences to his widow Bessie and their family.