Mr. Speaker, today the House pauses for a moment to recall the parliamentary career of the Hon. Frank McGee who served as a Conservative member of the House from 1957 until 1963. Mr. McGee represented York—Scarborough, which in 1957 was an area of tremendous growth. I believe this riding is now comprised of seven seats.
In an age before members had offices or large staffs, Frank McGee had a quarter of a million constituents to represent, an awesome task. He did so on his own. He did research in the library. He did a lot of the legwork. His speeches remain a testament to his elegant speaking style and his Irish heritage of which he was so proud.
It is well known that he vigorously opposed capital punishment and worked for the repeal of provisions of the Criminal Code that allowed for corporal punishment and the use of the cat-o'-nine-tails, a practice like capital punishment, which he felt was based far too much on revenge.
Looking back at the Diefenbaker years it is difficult to recognize that Canada today. Mr. Diefenbaker introduced legislation to authorize the use of English and French on cheques and other financial instruments, which is difficult to believe in a time like today. In speaking to the bill Mr. McGee had this to say:
This measure touches on a larger issue, the issue of brotherhood, tolerance and understanding. That is an issue which cuts across many of the inheritances with which the pages of Canadian history unfortunately are soiled.
Frank McGee was a grand nephew of Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation who was assassinated for his outspokenness. Frank McGee knew all too well of the diversities and the challenges posed by public life.
Mr. McGee was a vigilant and hardworking member of the House. To the qualities of brotherhood, tolerance and understanding Frank McGee added public service and political participation.
On behalf of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, we express our sympathies to his family for his loss and we send our gratitude that Frank McGee was willing to continue the great tradition that was started by his family.