Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join in paying tribute to the late Alan Macnaughton.
For those of us who sit in the House today, and as has been previously mentioned by speakers, the late Alan Macnaughton presided over the House at sometimes very contentious times. The flag debate, which was a lengthened version of the debate similar to that which the Speaker has presided over, and the pressures that were facing Speaker Macnaughton at that time were certainly historic in 1964.
With emotions running high during the months of parliament proceedings, the Speaker's job would certainly have been extremely difficult. It is a measure of Alan Macnaughton's ability that historians have judged him so favourably. During such a contentious time in our history, he contributed greatly to the House, conducted himself with class and dignity as both a member and a Speaker. He contributed greatly to the country at large.
After a distinguished career in law, he pursued his career as a parliamentarian with the same vigour and the same level of decorum and class. Canada is fortunate to have people of the calibre of Alan Macnaughton prepared to serve in parliament.
In a 1965 speech delivered at a dinner at the Guild Hall in London on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of Simon de Montfort's parliament, Speaker Macnaughton reflected on the democratic spirit which for him connoted equality, the brotherhood of all men and his definition of the civilized person.
To him that meant “one who understands human values, who appreciates the importance of high quality, and who knows the need for sacrifices and for putting oneself in the service of one's country”.
The annals of the House and the Senate as well as the records of the communities which benefited from his charitable work all testify to the fact that Mr. Macnaughton was by his own definition a civilized man. He was a man who gave to the world more than he took from it, which fits Governor General Tweedsmuir's definition of a true aristocrat.
We rejoice in Mr. Macnaughton's long life. We are thankful that he chose to enter public life, and on behalf of the Right Hon. Joe Clark and the Progressive Conservative Party we send our appreciation and our condolences to the family of the late Alan Macnaughton.