Mr. Speaker, from helping mobilizing “Hay West” for Saskatchewan farmers experiencing drought, to introducing a taxpayers' bill of rights and an ombudsman, it has been my greatest honour to represent the people of Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar in Parliament. They placed their trust in me for three successive terms and I thank them for their confidence.
Although I announced this summer that I will not seek re-election, I will remain involved with my home province of Saskatchewan.
I thank the Prime Minister for his leadership and for entrusting me to serve our great country in cabinet.
For me, politics is public service, serving people and laying a firm foundation on which to build an even greater nation for future generations. The many fond memories of the people I have met and that I have had the privilege of working with will remain with me always.
I thank my husband, Noel, for his support. I thank Terri, Gord, Wendy, Tenille, Mark, Nadeen, Victoria, Ted, Shelby and Shea, and my beloved 91-year-old mother, Irene. I could not have done this without them.