Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a distinguished member of the House who was first elected in Verchères in 1993 at the age of 28, in his very first election under the Bloc Québécois banner.
He was re-elected without interruption until he made the leap to the National Assembly in 2005, where he notably served as public safety minister from 2012 to 2014. After taking a short break from politics in 2018, he returned to his first love and ran under the Bloc Québécois banner in the 2019 election. No doubt members have gathered that I am talking about the current member for Montarville. Known for his relentless drive, strong work ethic and complete devotion to his constituents, he has always been held in high esteem by his colleagues.
He took everyone by surprise when he announced that he would not seek another term in the next election. We will no doubt miss having him on the Hill, but we are delighted to know that he will remain a proud supporter of Quebec independence.
I congratulate the member for Montarville on his 30 years of service. I thank him for all he has done.