My colleagues, four of the five interveners today referred to the fact that they served with Bill Scott. I did too. Bill was a quiet gentleman.
I recall a story after I had been elected in 1974. The Liberals—I was one way back when—were in the lobby and Bill Scott was there. I was brand new and I did not know anybody. I drifted over to him and said “What did you think of caucus this morning?” He said to me “We are not allowed to talk about what goes on in caucus”. I said “It is okay, we are in the same caucus”. He said “No, we are not”. He was the kind of guy who you took for granted was one of you, whoever you were.
Bill Scott's family was very important to him. I met his wife on a number of occasions. He served this House well. I think the hon. member for Winnipeg—Transcona said that he did his work quietly, and he did.
I do not know if you would use the word “effectively”, but I would use that word when it comes to the work Bill Scott did for his constituents. He was also a good party member. He understood many of the problems parliamentarians have when they are brand new.
I for one very much respected him. I always sought him out when I could. He had a good sense of humour. He was a jovial man and a good parliamentarian.