Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of the riding of Halton I rise to offer our condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
The Queen Mother served as Colonel-in-Chief of three Canadian regiments, one of which, the Toronto Scottish Regiment, recently received the honour of the additional title Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Own, the only military unit in the world to carry her name.
One of the greatest satisfactions in my early life was to earn the title Queen's Scout, the highest earned award in scouting. It meant that I was ready to serve my Queen and country. Her steadfast commitment to public duty has remained with me during my years in public life.
The power of the singing at services in her honour was a fitting tribute to her strength and dignity, and we will always hold the Queen Mother in a special place in our hearts and memories.