Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of a long line of members for Vaudreuil—Soulanges who helped build our community. Today, I would like to draw attention to the contribution of Harold Thomas Herbert. A member of the British air force and a Spitfire pilot during the Second World War, Hal built his life in our historic town of Hudson, where he is well known for his community service and his contribution to the development of Manoir Cavagnal.
It is his work as a member of Parliament under Pierre Trudeau that we have all benefited from. Hal made history on July 9, 1982, when his bill passed the House of Commons renaming July 1 “Canada Day”, which was used and celebrated for the first time on July 1, 1983.
Thirty-five years later, and on behalf of the entire House, I want to thank his wife Madelaine Herbert and grandson Matthew, who join me in Ottawa today, and posthumously express my thanks to Hal for giving us a day that we all celebrate on July 1: Canada Day.
Happy Canada Day.