Mr. Speaker, this week Canadians mourn the loss of a true Canadian hero and a man of the people. Former Diefenbaker cabinet minister and P.E.I. premier, Angus MacLean, passed away Tuesday at the age 85.
In World War II, Mr. MacLean was shot down over the Nazi occupied Netherlands and managed, through his keen and resourceful intelligence, to survive for 72 days on the run in Holland.
This rural P.E.I. farmer and decorated airman decided to enter politics in Canada in 1951. He made his way to Ottawa to represent islanders with decency, loyalty and steadiness but without pretensions. For the following 25 years, Mr. MacLean became the most elected islander in P.E.I. history.
In the mid-1970s, Mr. MacLean decided to return home to P.E.I. to his farm. But, he still had politics flowing in his veins. He went on to win the leadership of the provincial Tory Party and brought the his party to government in 1979.
Angus MacLean was a true Canadian hero in war and a true Canadian patriot in his public service.