Mr. Speaker, my colleagues in the Progressive Conservative caucus join with me in offering our most sincere condolences to the Lamoureux family.
The hon. Lucien Lamoureux made a great contribution to our country during his years of public service. His greatest mark, of course, was left as Speaker of this House.
He was actively involved in his party before his election as Speaker, and after his years in the House of Commons this proud Franco-Ontarian represented his country as Canadian ambassador, first to Belgium and then to Portugal.
Less than a year ago, I had the honour and pleasure of spending an hour in Mr. Lamoureux' company. In his capacity as honorary Colonel of the Canadian NATO contingent, he had welcomed me on my visit to the military base in Geilenkirchen, Germany. This title of honorary colonel was but one of many he received throughout his career. He was very proud of his responsibilities within NATO and spoke with great eloquence about our soldiers working so hard in another country.
Lucien Lamoureux was a legend in his own time. The standards of impartiality and integrity he imposed from the Chair of this House, and his stringent adherence to the rules while a representative in this House, left a path for his successors to follow. Following on the example he set, the House requires very high standards of its speakers.
Today I would like to thank the Lamoureux family for sharing him with Parliament and with this great country of Canada he loved so much. He left a great heritage, one of which his family can continue to be justly proud for many generations to come.