Mr. Speaker, today we honour parliamentarians who have passed away in the last year. This commemoration is one of the special days during which our national flag is lowered to half-mast.
This gesture is done out of honour and respect in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians. This group provides non-partisan support for the parliamentary system and fosters good relations between the Senate, this House of Commons and former parliamentarians.
By honouring this fine group of people who have served their country, and in doing so with the former parliamentarians, we make a continuing commitment to strengthen the institutions of democracy and public participation in the political process in Canada.
As members of Parliament, we are privileged to represent Canadians in this great House that Sir John A. Macdonald built. There have been 4,015 MPs in the history of Parliament and it is an honour for each of us to serve our country.
Congratulations to the members of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians for keeping alive the memory of those who have gone before us in this House.