I join all hon. members in mourning the loss of Paul Dewar. He was a good man and he leaves behind a legacy of devoted service to his country and his community.
Paul leaves behind his family and loved ones, but also the many Canadians who saw him as a generous and compassionate man.
I had the pleasure of playing hockey with Paul, as many of us did, numerous times, and I can say that by MP hockey standards, he was a very good player. He was a gentleman on and off the ice, and I understand he was also a wonderful hockey dad.
The New Democratic Party has placed books of condolence in both lobbies and members are invited to inscribe their messages for Paul's family.
There have been discussions among representatives of all the parties in the House, and I understand that there is unanimous consent to observe a moment of silence in memory of our former colleague and friend, Paul Dewar.
I invite members to rise and observe a moment of silence.
[A moment of silence observed]