Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour for me to rise on this occasion to pay tribute to our dean, my dear friend.
In 2011, when I was elected, we formed a very small team. People here may not be aware of that. At the time, I was the only Green Party MP, which comes as no surprise. However, there were only four Bloc Québécois MPs. We formed a team because five members could request a recorded division. We did things together. With his immense expertise, he helped me from time to time. I love him.
We are paying tribute to him right now because he is the longest continuously serving member of Parliament. I can attest to the Leader of the Bloc Québécois's claim that our friend is the “Céline Dion of Parliament”. He has an unparalleled record. He is the dean, a respected member and someone who is always here to work hard for the people of Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel—Alnôbak.
I am very happy that we are taking the time to pay tribute to him because he is an extraordinary person. I hope we will have opportunities to meet like this more often to pay tribute to an extraordinary individual.
I want to mention another one of his accomplishments. When he took the Speaker's chair in his role of presiding over the election of the Speaker, he always maintained order without having to raise his voice because he kept the situation calm and clear leaving no room for misbehaviour by the members. I think that is thanks to the strength of his character.
I just want to say to my extraordinary friend that before he decides to leave the House, there is still a chance for him to add one more thing to his extraordinary record: becoming a member of the Green Party. I hope he will keep his options open.