Madam Speaker, a former MP from the area of my hometown, Kapuskasing, passed away on March 3.
From 1988 to 2004, Réginald Bélair represented the riding of Cochrane—Superior and later Timmins—James Bay.
In his first speech to the House on December 3, 1988, this nature lover said that “this northern land is very welcoming; it is an ideal place to relax, to fish, to hunt, to go cross-country skiing or ice fishing, etc. It has wide open spaces that ease the mind and challenge us to get to know nature better.” These words are still true today.
In 2004, as deputy speaker of the House of Commons, Mr. Bélair said to his colleagues, “Nevertheless, I would ask you to be generous with each other and cooperate a little in order to maintain some decorum in the House.” That still stands up as good advice today.
Mr. Bélair's passing is a painful loss to his family, his wife Jo-Anne and his two daughters Annie and Julie.
Farewell Mr. Bélair and thank you for serving Canada.