Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to pay tribute to Senator Guy Charbonneau.
The Hon. Guy Charbonneau made an important contribution to Canada as a captain in the Fusiliers Mont-Royal regiment during World War II, as an entrepreneur and as a senator. Indeed, he held the position of Speaker of the Senate for nine years, longer than anyone else since Confederation.
His dedication to and involvement in democratic life in Canada cannot go unrecognized. For 35 years, he was an active member of the Progressive Conservative Party. He believed in democracy and in the need for Quebeckers to have an alternative.
It has been said that, with his passing, Quebec lost a faithful son and Canada a loyal patriot. I agree.
I join with my colleagues in expressing support to his family and friends and, on behalf of my party, extend my deepest condolences.