Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a great Canadian parliamentarian, Senator Marcel Prud'homme, who is retiring from the Senate.
After first being elected to the House of Commons in 1964, he was re-elected eight more times. He was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on May 26, 1993, and has now devoted a total of 45 years to parliamentary life.
Senator Prud'homme represents a true institutional memory for Canada. He is known for his openness towards every country in the world and for emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue.
He believes that Canada should play a unique, original and positive role in the world, and suggests that we put more time and effort into dealing with international issues.
Senator Prud'homme, today, all of Canada thanks you for passionately defending the country and for representing us with integrity all over the world.