Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my colleague, the hon. member for Sherbrooke, and the Progressive Conservative Party to pay tribute to the late Norman Fawcett. We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Fawcett's family.
Although I did not know Mr. Fawcett personally, after reading his background I wish I had had that opportunity for I found out that Mr. Fawcett and I shared many similarities. Mr. Fawcett was a railway man. He served as a railroad conductor with CNR for over 30 years and he knew the importance of rail and watched how its introduction built this great nation of ours.
Mr. Fawcett also served on municipal council. He was first elected in 1962 and was again elected in 1964. He also served as the deputy mayor.
In 1965 Mr. Fawcett was elected to Parliament as a New Democratic member representing the riding of Nickel Belt. As the MP for the area, he fought successfully to prevent the Canadian National Railway from closing the Coniston station. He served one term as MP and later went on to be elected mayor of Capreol.
His political career spanned 17 years of dedicated service to his community and his country.
The Progressive Conservative Party extends our prayers and our best wishes to Mr. Fawcett's wife Elizabeth, his children, as well as the many members of his extended family.