Mr. Speaker, Saskatoon recently lost a stalwart of the Conservative movement. As a long-time EDA board member and staff member, Al Chant was a dedicated and caring person who loved helping others. Whether to a constituent, a party member or even an MP, Al was not afraid to speak up, and he always said what was on his mind. I am sure even Prime Minister Harper got an earful or two from Al.
Honesty and truth in our beliefs are characteristics that separate Conservatives from the Liberals, and Al Chant was as separate from a Liberal as one could find. Al was a loyal staff member to former MPs Brad Trost and Maurice Vellacott. Al loved helping people through the MP office. He also served for many years on the Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar EDA board and on my Saskatoon West EDA board.
After he retired, Al became an avid fisherman, casting his line in the water and chatting with everyone who walked by.
To Al's wife Elizabeth, I offer my heartfelt condolences and sincere thanks for sharing Al with us for all these years.
May Al be at peace, and God bless him.