Mr. Speaker, today I stand to pay tribute to two very special people who have recently passed on.
The first is Mr. George Kerr. George represented Burlington in the Ontario legislature from 1963 until 1985. He was the first environment minister anywhere in Canada. He had over 20 years of elected political service. George was a true leader in his community and in his province. He was my political and community service role model.
We also recently lost Mr. Hugh Bell. Hugh was a very well-respected business owner and community volunteer in Burlington. He understood the real meaning of service to his community. Hugh was always there to assist families and community groups in their times of joy and sadness.
Our community, our province and our country will miss these two outstanding Canadians. I know I will miss them.
My thoughts are with their families and friends. God bless them both.