Mr. Speaker, we just heard another excellent speech by the member for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, who will be leaving the House after being a member for more than 14 years.

In his roles as MP, chair of the Quebec Liberal caucus, minister of transportation and minister of foreign affairs, he was always there to serve the people.

I believe that everyone in the House agrees that 14 years in active politics is no small achievement.

As the member mentioned, we all know that it is not always easy for the families. He was there for all of us, but now he will be there even more for his family. We thank them for lending him to us for so many good years.

I obviously also want to thank the member for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount for his work, and also for fulfilling his many roles with dedication and passion.

In fact, our friend and colleague has made many contributions to our country outside of politics.

The member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount devoted his life to serving Canadians.

Before entering politics, he served a distinguished career as a naval officer, retiring as a captain. In 1984, he became the first Canadian in space when he flew aboard the U.S. space shuttle Challenger, captivating the hearts and imaginations of Canadians who could now see themselves through him in the outer reaches of the final frontier. He went on to further flights, and then kept alive the dreams of other Canadians hoping to explore space in his leadership of the Canadian Space Agency.

Throughout his career, the member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount stayed true to his values. He always led from the heart, including in his most recent work steering the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying as its House joint chair. We will miss him as a colleague and friend here in this House.

Just as he said in his remarks, and as he has demonstrated throughout his long career, he always viewed colleagues across the aisle not as enemies but as worthy adversaries. When he says that we should all respect one another no matter our differences and our points of view, I know he means it.

Even in his last act here in the House, with his deeply moving parting words to the House, he continues to push us, as he always pushed himself, to do our very best in the very best of ways to serve Canadians.

The member for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount is a man of principle. He is a person who has always recognized the importance of serving our country. In fact, that is why he has always placed such a strong emphasis on education, to give young people the tools they need to serve and succeed.

As the first Canadian astronaut to go into space, he motivated generations of young Canadians by showing them that it is always possible to go higher and farther. He showed us that it is possible to achieve all our dreams.

As a politician, he demonstrated, on a daily basis, that it is also possible to do great things while keeping both feet firmly on the ground.

We all wish him the best in the future.

I want to thank my dear friend.

Justin Trudeau

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