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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 151

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 1, 2023 02:00PM
Context: House Hansard - 151 - Feb/1/23
Mr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Joliette, BQ)
  • Feb/1/23 2:19:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, our community of Joliette has been in mourning since we learned of the passing of René Laurin. René Laurin was mayor of Joliette from 2001 to 2013, as well as the director general of the school board and a municipal councillor. To me he stands out as the first Bloc Québécois MP from the riding of Joliette from 1993 to 2000. Quebec finally had a voice in Ottawa, and in Joliette that voice was René's. Highly respected by everyone, René was a team player, hard-working, meticulous, community-oriented, funny and exceptionally musically talented. Every Christmas people would ask him to sing some of the classics. At a reception to mark the closure of Centre Block, we talked about what it was like to be an MP in his day and about the changes he had seen in recent years. René would have been 83 in a few days. To his wife, Suzanne, to his whole family and the entire population of Joliette, I offer my deepest condolences. Thank you, René.
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Context: House Hansard - 151 - Feb/1/23
Ms. Iqra Khalid (Mississauga—Erin Mills, Lib.)
  • Feb/1/23 2:21:19 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I cannot begin to describe what it was like to grow up in Mississauga with a woman like Hazel McCallion as our mayor. She won her election 45 years ago, at a time when many thought it was unthinkable for a woman to seek office. Hazel proved them wrong, and over her 36 years of service, she was a shining example of what a woman in leadership is capable of. Fearless and compassionate, she was a force to be reckoned with, a hurricane. Even after retiring, she spent her later years continuing to give back to the city she loved and that loved her in return. Last weekend, with 101 years under her belt, Hazel McCallion passed away. She blazed a trail that so many women will continue walking for generations to come. Thanks to Hazel. She ran so that we could run with her. May she rest in peace.
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