Mr. Speaker, as hon. members are aware, on April 7, 1868 a remarkable father of Confederation was assassinated. However, 130 years later the legacy of Thomas D'Arcy McGee is symbolized by the goals that we as parliamentarians strive to achieve.
McGee's important contributions reflect his Irish descendancy, defined by struggle and suffering, and his compassionate conscience which assisted in the development of the Canadian economic, social and political nature we have inherited.
McGee's work with immigrants led him into the political arena with a Montreal seat in the House of Assembly of the Canadas in 1857. He was responsible as a Reform MLA for legislating progressive social and health conditions and for providing a stable foundation for the Canadian fabric.
It was also his participation in the Confederation debates that fostered his historical legacy as a compassionate visionary, encompassing an equitable partnership between two peoples which would result in what he called a new nationality.
McGee saw Canada as a nation that would bridge differences—