Mr. Speaker, this morning our flag on the Peace Tower flew at half-mast and present and former parliamentarians gathered together for a memorial service to honour parliamentarians who have passed away in the last year.
We who are now in parliament wish to publicly acknowledge their passing in a public and appropriate fashion. In the year 2000 we invited the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians to organize this annual memorial service to recognize all deceased parliamentarians, and they now do so.
This year we celebrated the memory and contributions of 19 Canadian parliamentarians, one of whom was a former prime minister. Their legacy is their immense commitment and contribution to this place and to their much loved country, Canada.
Also recognized today by our former parliamentarians with a distinguished service award is the outstanding contribution of Mr. Douglas Fisher for his promotion of the understanding of Canada's parliamentary system of government.
I am honoured to stand here today, and also with former parliamentarians, to pay tribute on behalf of all Canadians to the service of these respected and warmly remembered Canadians who have served us all.