Mr. Speaker, today marks a momentous anniversary. Twenty years ago today was the 1993 election that elected many of my colleagues, but it also elected the government of my great friend, former prime minister Jean Chrétien.
I send my congratulations to Mr. Chrétien this day, but also to the person he always called his most trusted adviser, his wife Aline.
I appreciate the confidence the former prime minister showed in me. I was honoured to serve in many roles, including minister of labour and solicitor general.
Together our team achieved much to be proud of: turning a $42 billion deficit into nine years of balanced budgets, team Canada trade missions, massive job creation, a UN land mines treaty, sustaining the CPP, the Clarity Act, and the list goes on.
I would also like to sincerely congratulate my colleagues in the House who are celebrating their 20th anniversary today.
We may have different views, but we are all here to make a better Canada.