Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to pay tribute to a great Saultite, His Excellency, the former Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston.
David was raised and educated in Sault Ste. Marie, attending Sault Collegiate. He was an exceptional student and a super athlete, playing with and at a similar level as future hockey hall of famers Phil and Tony Esposito. David married his high school sweetheart, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, with whom they have five daughters.
David has been a Canadian academic, author, statesman, and the 28th Governor General of Canada.
David's motto, “To envisage a better world”, remained strong throughout his mandate. David believed in the abilities of all Canadians to imagine and create a smarter, more caring nation, and to contribute to a fairer, more just world.
I ask the house to please join me in congratulating David and Sharon on a happy retirement from public life. On behalf of all Canadians and their fellow Saultites, we give our thanks. Merci beaucoup.