Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a friend who was also a friend to many in the parliamentary community.
Earlier this week, Ottawa and Canada lost a unique individual when Charles King lost his battle with cancer. He was just 47.
He started as a volunteer here, in a Liberal MP's office, in the early 1980s and served in many roles, eventually moving to the private sector, where he worked for Earnscliffe Strategy Group and Shaw Communications.
Charles had many gifts, including a sharp mind and a wicked sense of humour, and he was a faithful friend. It is a tribute to the ability of Charles to span the political divides that I stand here today, noting his passing.
As well as his work, Charles lent his name and his talents to many charitable causes. He enriched the lives of everyone he knew. I am pleased that I called Charles a friend.
I would like to express our sympathies to his wife Kelly and his family.