Mr. Speaker, today I have the pleasure of extending our best wishes to the hon. member for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean on his last day in Parliament.
He was the Parti Québécois member for the riding of Roberval in Quebec in 1981. While sitting in the National Assembly in Quebec, he served as the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Finance during his first mandate. Re-elected in 1985, he was deputy chair of the Commission des affaires sociales until 1988.
After the 1993 general election, the hon. member for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean became the Bloc Québécois House leader, a role he held until 1996, when he became the leader of Her Majesty's opposition, but I doubt he includes this title in his CV. He resumed his role as Bloc Québécois House leader when the hon. member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie was elected as leader of the Bloc Québécois.
I had the pleasure of working very briefly with the hon. member for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean. Unfortunately, he left his position shortly after I became the government House leader. Today is his last day in the House of Commons. I do not know whether I should feel bad or take credit for his departure.
Seriously, when I worked with the hon. member for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean, I quickly learned that he was someone who always negotiated fairly and equitably. He always kept his word.
We are all aware of the sacrifices we have to make in public life, as elected members of the House of Commons. The time we spend in Ottawa, away from our homes and families, is sometimes difficult. I am certain that all the members here today extend their sincere thanks to the hon. member for his many years of work and his contribution to politics in Canada and Quebec.
All my predecessors appreciated what the member for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean brought to the meetings of the House leaders over the years.
On behalf of all my colleagues on this side of the House, I wish the hon. member for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean health and happiness in his retirement.