Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Canada and of all Canadians, I wish to extend my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the great Maurice Richard.
I also want to pay tribute to this proud French Canadian who inspired generations to surpass themselves.
If it is true that some people are born to do a specific type of work, then Maurice Richard was born to play hockey. But talent alone would not have been enough to make him one of the best, if not the greatest hockey player in history.
He had to have more than talent. He had to have heart, pride, determination, courage and perseverance. These are all qualities displayed by Number 9 on each shift on the ice. These are also qualities that Maurice Richard, the man, displayed throughout his life.
I remember sitting with my friends around a makeshift radio in the college dormitory on Saturday nights and hearing the descriptions of Maurice Richard as he skated to the net, being pushed and shoved, being thrown on the ice, and he kept going. He got back up and gave it everything he had non-stop until the puck was behind the goalie.
No one ever wanted to win more than he did. That is what made him great. That is what all Canadians will always remember about him.
Maurice Richard was a fierce competitor, but he was also an unassuming man who did not like great honours and endless tributes.
This is why I will only add, to conclude, thank you, Maurice. We will never forget you.