Mr. Speaker, inventor, businessman, performer, man of integrity, genius are all words to describe Peter Trent, who announced last month he was stepping down as mayor of Westmount. Peter wrote “a political career is like a love affair. Any fool can start one, but to end it requires considerable skill.”
Peter showed that considerable skill throughout his 26 years on council. He leaves Westmount with no net debt, a world-class recreation centre, and excellent infrastructure. More important, he leaves the Montreal Island with 15 cities instead of one. It was Peter who led the fight against the PQ's forced mergers, and Peter who made the next Liberal government promise a demerger process. The cities in my riding, Côte Saint-Luc, Hampstead, and TMR, owe their existence to Peter's leadership.
As a demerger disciple of Peter's and someone who served with him for many years as mayor, I am proud to call him a mentor and friend.
Peter and his wife Catherine are with us today. Please join me in thanking him for his exemplary public service.