Mr. Speaker, on May 12, the Hon. George Furey retired as the 45th speaker of the Senate. He was appointed in 1999, and at the time of his retirement, he was its longest-standing member. He is, however, much more than this. George was born in 1948, a year before Newfoundland joined Canada. He knew loss and challenges from a young age, as well as the importance of family, hard work and resilience. These guiding principles served him well as a teacher, principal, lawyer and politician.
I am pleased to join Canadians and Newfoundland and Labradorians from all political stripes in celebrating of George's retirement. I would like to thank Karen, George's wife and best friend, his four children and their families for sharing him with this country and my home province.
I look forward to watching how George shapes a traditional retirement. He has served his country and province as a statesman and courageous leader while maintaining humility and decency.