Mr. Speaker, it was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Richard Wackid on Monday, following a courageous struggle with ALS.
After 25 years on the Hill serving nine Liberal whips, there is no doubt that Richard Wackid was a fixture in this Parliament. His intimate knowledge of the procedural rules of the House of Commons and his obvious passion for politics made him a master parliamentary strategist.
He will be remembered as more than just a strategist; we will remember the man himself, a man of great integrity for whom keeping one's word was essential, a man who was a master of the art of diplomacy and who was known for his positive disposition.
My colleagues and I want to express our sincere condolences to his wife Danielle, his daughter Stephanie, his family and colleagues.