Mr. Speaker, today we wish to thank and pay homage to someone who has truly etched the fabric of Canada's democracy. Maureen Vodrey, who we spoke of yesterday, the longest-serving interpreter in Canadian history, will retire today after 37 consecutive years of serving Parliament and Canadians.
Ms. Vodrey began her interpretation career on Parliament Hill in 1973. She has worked for nine governments, eight prime ministers, eight governors general and eight Speakers of the House of Commons and for yours truly as well.
Ms. Vodrey specializes in parliamentary procedure. She has taught at the University of Ottawa and has received numerous awards, including the award of excellence in teaching in 2007 and the Translation Bureau quality service award in 2009.
Today we pay tribute to her, to her husband Robert, a corporal in the RCMP, and to their son Simon.
Ms. Vodrey's contribution to democracy will be felt for years to come. We pay tribute to her today.