Dear friends, this is the second time that I have had the opportunity to sit in this prestigious chair, and I must admit that I am starting to enjoy it.
Allow me to congratulate all of you on your election to the House of Commons. As I sit in this prestigious chair, I would like to acknowledge my constituents in my riding of Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour, who placed their trust in me for the ninth time this past election. I had always been able to ride the wave, but this time the wave was coming right at me. I found it different, but tiring.
I would also like to acknowledge my companion Manon, who has always supported me, my children, Catherine and Lucie, as well as my grandchildren. I also thank my election committee, which was a huge help in this election. Let us begin.
The list of members who have withdrawn or who are ineligible as candidates has been placed on each member's desk and is available at the table.
The list of those members who are eligible as candidates has also been placed on each member's desk and is available at the table.
Before we begin, I want to invite any member whose name is on the list of candidates but who does not want to stand for election to rise and inform the Chair accordingly.
The hon. member for Papineau.