Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I inform the House of the passing of Dr. Douglas Peters, my predecessor as MP for Scarborough East.
Born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, Dr. Peters rose from humble beginnings to pursue a distinguished career as a banker, economist, and public servant. He took his first job as an entry-level bank clerk before graduating from Queen's University, and then earned a doctorate at the prestigious Wharton School of business.
In 1966, Dr. Peters became the chief economist and senior vice-president of the Toronto-Dominion Bank, a position he held for 27 years. He was elected to Parliament in 1993 and was in the cabinet until 1997. A committed Keynesian, Dr. Peters advocated a robust role for government in the economy. Following his retirement from politics, he volunteered with the Canadian Executive Service overseas. His task was to reform the post-Soviet banking system.
It is with a profound feeling of respect that we say farewell to this impressive parliamentarian. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Peters' family at this difficult time.