Mr. Speaker, the burning of Parliament 100 years ago today was recorded by Hansard in the following words:
9 pm--at this time Mr. C. R. Stewart, Chief Doorkeeper of the House of Commons, came hurriedly into the Chamber and called out: “There is a big fire in the reading room; everybody get out quickly.” The sitting was immediately suspended without formality, and members, officials, and visitors...fled from the Chamber. Some of them were almost overcome by the smoke and flames before reaching a place of safety.
Hansard then records the phoenix-like rebirth of the House the very next day.
“Friday, February 4, 1916. The House met at Three o'clock, at the Victoria Memorial Museum, the Speaker in the Chair.”
I encourage all members to read the moving speeches made by the Right Hon. Sir Robert Borden and the Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier while the ashes were still smoldering at Parliament.
The mace here in this chamber is our physical connection to that very tragic day.
That Parliament was burned, but Parliament itself is immortal.