Mr. Speaker, Alfred Hales retired from the House of Commons in 1974 after a full parliamentary career which was similar to those of many who served in the House.
He worked hard to protect the interests of his constituents and his community. He was chairman of the public accounts committee where he worked to promote economy in public expenditures. He lived up to his belief that community service is the rent we pay for space on earth. Had that been the sum total of Alfred Hales' parliamentary career, we would be justified in saying well done.
However, Alfred Hales has left a legacy to the House of Commons and to Canada which for over 25 years has returned great dividends to parliament, to Canada and to hundreds of people who have gained a unique insight into parliamentary life in Canada.
It was Alf Hales who gave leadership to the establishment of the parliamentary internship program which operates under the auspices of the Canadian Political Science Association. That program has been mirrored in other parliamentary assemblies in many provinces.
As a new member of Parliament who has benefited from the work of an intern, I consider it an honour to be able to salute Mr. Hales' vision and to express my thanks for his work which continues to bear fruit every day in parliament.
To his family, Mrs. Hales, his wife of 62 years, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I offer the sympathy of my colleagues in their personal loss. I hope it is a comfort to them to know that Mr. Hales was one who truly made a difference. The rent has been paid in full and more.