Mr. Speaker, since this is the first time that I rise since the House came back, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to stress the admirable and most impressive career of the right hon. Herb Gray.
He served in this House from 1962 until last January, under nine Prime Ministers and 18 opposition leaders, including himself. He earned the confidence of his constituents by setting foundations that were used not only in his riding of Windsor West, but across the country.
For example, he learned the other official language long before it became the right thing to do.
When I was first elected he is the one whose advice I sought first and, dare I say it, heeding that advice has indeed served me well. He believed in serving the public good, and serve it he did very well for 40 years.
Last month the International Joint Commission got a gift, and if the people who work there enjoy rock and roll music then they are in for a real treat.
I wanted to thank Mr. Gray for his enormous contribution and hope that we will have an occasion later on this year to do so in a better way than we have so far.