Mr. Speaker, a few days before Christmas, Elisabeth Gasser passed away. She had been my riding assistant in Brome—Missisquoi, providing me with wonderful support right from the first time I was elected in 1995.
Her death is a great loss for her family, her many friends and her work colleagues, as well as for the Liberal Party, on which she focussed the strength of her convictions and the enthusiasm for which she was well known.
I was greatly affected by her passing, because Elisabeth was one of those people known for their joie de vivre, dynamism and availability to all. She was one of those people who never did anything half-heartedly. She made her way through life with determination and passion.
This lady, who was so full of life, left us at the age of 45, as the result of lung cancer. She leaves a great void behind her.
I wish to salute the courage of this woman whose extraordinary morale never faltered all the time she was ill. I extend my most sincere condolences to her family, particularly her four children, who were still very much in need of their mother's presence.
Farewell, Elisabeth.