Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the Reform Party. It is with respect that I rise to pay tribute to the hon. James Baskin, former member of parliament for Renfrew South, who died on January 8.
Although I did not personally know Mr. Baskin, it is my understanding that he was a man of great compassion, energy and entrepreneurial spirit.
Indeed in his 79 years he accomplished a great deal. In politics he represented his constituents from 1957 to 1963, participating in some of the most interesting political times in Canada.
Constituents, I understand, were his great political joy and one might have assumed as much from a man who had his roots as deeply entrenched in the constituency as he did.
As he represented a largely rural riding, he spoke passionately on behalf of farmers and took pride in what he stated. These are the words used in the House. He took pride in speaking, talking the way most farmers like to hear a man talk, soundly and without resorting to emotional appeal, relying on what they call common sense.
Outside parliament Mr. Baskin excelled as a businessman. He was a lumberman and a hotelier, but it was his passion for horses that saw one of his hardest fought but greatest business successes come to life. Baskin was largely responsible for building the Rideau Carleton Raceway which his friends say stands today as a monument to him.
James Baskin was without doubt a man who touched many lives. He will be missed and leaves behind a space which cannot be easily filled. But in death, as in life, it is in his character that his legacy will be left.
On behalf the Reform Party I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and the people of Ottawa-Carleton.