Mr. Speaker, Neil Peart died a few short weeks ago, but he left a legacy of music on a nation and world of fans who revel in the challenge of air drumming to the best of Rush.
For 40 years, Neil Peart had us lost in the lyrics that would bring images of the Limelight, being caught up in the Spirit of Radio and the life and conflict of the Subdivisions.
Peart's lyrical adventure led us away from his world-renowned drum kit to motoring on highways and back roads. He rode his motorbike as a healing highway for his loss and pain which he wrote about, taking us along for the ride.
Neil Peart's legacy is more than one of books, albums or hundreds of performances. Though he lived a private life, he shared his heartache and exhilarated us with his performances.
With every beat of his drum, with every lyric he wrote and with every story he told, Neal Peart will forever and always be Closer to the Heart of Canadians. May he rest in peace and may God bless his family and friends.