Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the interim leader of the official opposition, the hon. member for Hull—Aylmer, for the work she has carried out with courage and determination.
Despite our differences of opinion, I must note that the hon. member has distinguished herself both by the passion that inspires her and her hard work.
She inherited the very difficult task of replacing a leader who left a profound impression on his political party and who formed the official opposition. As a newly elected member of Parliament, she found herself thrust into the spotlight, literally overnight. One can imagine all the pressure on one individual to keep their party together during uncertain times. But the hon. member for Hull—Aylmer has behaved with great aplomb.
The hon. member has passed the torch to the new leader of the official opposition, whom I wish to congratulate. While some might be content to celebrate their new-found freedom, I am sure that the hon. member will continue to work hard to keep her party together.
Today, I want to join all the other members of this House in thanking the hon. member for her excellent work, which she has carried out with dignity.