Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the member for Sherbrooke for his courage and his dedication. It is not just anyone who would accept to set aside their aspirations and leave their team to venture into troubled waters.
Following the October 1995 referendum, I took the time to thank him and congratulate him for his helpful participation in the referendum campaign. It was the least I could do.
To all those who would now want to depict him as the emissary of so-called English Canada, a most divisive expression if there is one, I say “rubbish”.
This young man, the member for Sherbrooke, who is leaving this House today deserves, as does his family, the support of all those who believe in this great and noble collective enterprise that Canada represents.
On behalf of the people of Ottawa—Vanier, I assure him of my support and I wish him and his family Godspeed.