It’s an honour today for me to rise to recognize Barbara Sullivan. I want to start out by thanking her family who are here today: her husband, Jordan G. Sullivan; her daughters, Michele Thompson, Sandra Sullivan, Elspeth Gibson; her son, Jordan D. Sullivan; daughter-in-law, Alex Sullivan; granddaughter Annie Keely; her friend Vivienne Jones; and the 35th Speaker of this Legislature, Mr. David Warner.

Barbara grew up near Oakville and attended Munn’s one-room schoolhouse. This was a rural area. She raised sheep and Holstein cattle, and she won many top awards at showings. She was an active member in many community groups, including 4-H, and the Sheridan College musical theatre program. She was the chair of the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. She was a member of Heritage Canada, the Ontario Historical Society, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Canadian Club, and she was a board member of Parks Canada.

Barbara studied journalism at Carleton and worked as a journalist at the Toronto Telegram. She later worked as a public affairs consultant. And in politics, she first worked as the principal secretary and chief of staff to the treasurer of Ontario, Robert Nixon.

Before campaigning herself, I discovered that she worked as a campaign manager in the campaigns of Robert Nixon, Stuart Smith, Art Eggleton, Jean Chrétien and John Turner. It amazed me that all of these successful politicians had the same woman behind them. Mr. Nixon even referred to her as “the best campaign manager I know.” I don’t doubt that.

Barbara Sullivan was elected to this House in 1987 and re-elected in 1990 in the riding of Halton Centre. She served for two terms, from 1987 to 1995. During that time, she was appointed official opposition critic for the environment, and she served as a member of many bodies: the Board of Internal Economy, the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly, the government caucus chair, the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Labour, and she chaired the Select Committee on Energy. So she had a lot to do with the functioning of this body.

After her time as MPP, she became a member of the board of directors of the Hamilton Health Sciences Corp., which she later chaired. She was also the chair of the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council.

More recently, she was a vice-chair and director of Ontario’s Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority. She was a governor of Mohawk College. She was a director of the Bay Area Health Trustee Corp. and director and treasurer of the Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians. She has really contributed and left a substantial legacy on Ontario’s political and social landscape.

I want to close by thanking her family, her loved ones for allowing her to serve the people of Ontario, for making the sacrifice so that she could serve here in this House and elsewhere in society. She has left behind such a legacy, and we’re very thankful for her service. It’s an honour today to rise and recognize that.

Applause.

The member for Toronto–St. Paul’s.

Good afternoon to the family and friends of former member of provincial Parliament Barbara Ann Pickard Sullivan. Today, we have the privilege of the presence of some of Barbara’s loved ones, as she had many: Mr. Jordan G. Sullivan, Barbara’s husband; her daughters, Michele Thompson, Sandra Sullivan and Elspeth Gibson; her son, Jordan D. Sullivan; her daughter-in-law, Alex Sullivan; her granddaughter Annie Keeley; and her dear friend Vivienne Jones.

Barbara’s family and friends are also joined by Mr. David Warner, who presided as the Speaker of the Legislature during the 35th Parliament.

I welcome you all on behalf of the Ontario NDP official opposition. We thank you deeply for sharing your beloved Barbara with the hard-working people of Halton Centre and Ontario.

Barbara was born on January 24, 1943, in Calgary, Alberta. Her family soon moved to Oakville.

She graduated from Carleton University school of journalism in 1964, and before politics, she worked as a journalist and later as a public affairs consultant at the Toronto Telegram, if I’m not mistaken.

Barbara came to Queen’s Park having defeated her PC opponent in Halton Centre by a whopping 6,000 votes amid a landslide Liberal majority at the provincial level. She served as a Liberal MPP in the 34th Parliament and in the 35th Parliament under Premier David Peterson and Premier Bob Rae, respectively. She valiantly represented her community and earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues across party lines.

Frankly, there isn’t enough time today to highlight all of the leadership roles Barbara excelled in, spanning across her terms in 1987 to 1995, but here are just a few:

She served as Chair of a Select Committee on Energy, as deputy whip, as her party’s environment critic and health critic, as the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Labour and to the women’s issues minister, as the commissioner of the Board of Internal Economy. And that’s when she wasn’t flying out of Queen’s Park in her “little red power suit,” as her daughter recalled, saving the day for her dad, a farmer who had taken ill. Barbara flew out of Queen’s Park in style to replace him, exhibiting sheep at the royal winter fair, and as Barbara did, she won. Barbara’s daughter Sandra called her mother, yes, a “five-foot ball of energy.”

Outside of Queen’s Park, Barbara loved cooking, sewing and gardening. She created dollhouses that her daughter said could be displayed in any museum, and apparently she loved world travel.

Former Liberal Premier David Peterson said, “She was plugged in and a dynamo of fire. There were just sparks that came off of her. She had so much energy!”

Barbara, I hear, had an incredible laugh, was confident, and had a collaborative leadership style—and a leader she was, having managed many political campaigns before becoming an MPP herself. She managed the campaigns of former Liberal leader Dr. Stuart Smith and Art Eggleton’s successful runs for Toronto mayor in 1980 and 1982. She was also the campaign manager for Jean Chrétien’s federal Liberal leadership campaign. Back in 1987, Robert Nixon was quoted as calling Barbara the “best campaign manager he knew.”

Barbara had influence, but her friends often described her as unassuming and maternal, finding time during her hectic Queen’s Park schedule to drive to Oakville to prepare lunch for her then youngest children, Elspeth and Jordan.

Even after politics, Barbara remained devoted to her community. She served as chair of the Hamilton Health Sciences board from 2006-09. Her intent to support seniors led her to the position of vice-chair of the board of directors of the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority during the years 2013 to 2020.

She was a patron of the Sheridan College musical theatre program, the Ontario Historical Society, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and also served as a board member of the Big Sisters Association of Metropolitan Toronto, Huntley Youth Services, Mohawk College, Bird Studies Canada, chair of Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts and commissioner and acting chair of the Commission on Election Finances in Ontario.

Barbara took life by the horns but also knew that life would have its bumps. To quote Barbara during her first campaign, she said, “I’m an ad hoc person. What comes, does, and what doesn’t does not. There will always be a challenge for me.”

Barbara Sullivan’s sun set on her 78th birthday, on January 24, 2021, in Hamilton, Ontario. Those who respected her and admired her tenacity as a politician, a community leader, will remember her as “the cream that rose to the top.”

To Barbara’s family and friends here today, thank you again for sharing her with Ontario.

To her dearest grandchildren, hold on tight to those musical birthday cards she often gave you. May her words and your memories of her live on forever.

The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance for the late Mr. Drummond White, with five minutes allotted to independent members as a group, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition. Agreed? Agreed.

Today we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial legislature, the late Mr. Drummond White, who was the MPP for Durham Centre during the 35th Parliament. Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery is Mr. White’s daughter, Lenore White. Also in the Speaker’s gallery is David Warner, Speaker during the 35th Parliament.

I recognize the member for Don Valley West.

I am honoured to stand here today and say a few words about Mr. Drummond White, who served as NDP MPP for Durham Centre from 1990 to 1995 and brought a real devotion to social justice and a sense of community to his constituents. He leaves behind his wife Norah; his children Amanda, Devin, and Lenore; his grandchildren Arya, Maisie, Ezra, Wilton, Ophelia and Miles; his sister Rosemary Johnston; and his nieces Kate, Alison and Emily.

His daughter Lenore joins us today, along with Mr. David Warner, Speaker of the 35th Parliament. We’re grateful for your presence here today. Thank you.

Born in Toronto, Mr. White attended the University of Toronto in 1969, where he was blessed to meet Norah, and they were married in 1972. After receiving his first degree at U of T, he went on to receive his bachelor of social work at York University, his MSW from Wilfrid Laurier University and then an advanced diploma in research at U of T—clearly a love for learning was present in his life.

Mr. White and his family made Whitby their home, where he devoted his life to public service and social justice. He was a force for social reforms, especially for his community in the Durham region.

Social workers play an important role in our communities, and Mr. White touched so many lives as a social worker for 35 years. He was a founding member of the Durham chapter of the Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers and was instrumental in the development of the Ontario College of Registered Social Workers and Social Service Workers. He served on the boards of both the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Canadian Association of Social Workers, and in 2005 was the recipient of the CASW Distinguished Service Award—clearly well-deserved.

His ongoing contributions to the Ontario NDP were honoured in 2017 with a lifetime membership.

Just a couple of months before Mr. White passed away, he and Norah celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary—what a wonderful accomplishment.

His passion for life and devotion to his work will forever be remembered by his loved ones and those whose lives he touched through his service. Beyond politics and social work, Mr. White had diverse interests, such as literature, theatre, travel, music and history. He also enjoyed chess, cycling—scuba diving, even—and started learning a little Spanish toward the end of his life, so to that end: Remarks in Spanish.

It is an honour to rise in this House this afternoon and a true pleasure for me to pay tribute to a former community ambassador, a remarkable parliamentarian and a great family man: the former member of provincial Parliament from the riding of Durham Centre, Mr. Drummond White.

Born in 1951, Mr. White grew up in Oshawa. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work, followed by a master’s degree in social work, and I believe his post-secondary institutions included two stints at the University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier and York. He also received a research diploma in social work from the University of Toronto.

Prior to entering politics, he began what would amount to a 35-year career in social work. As a family counsellor and a social worker, his work focused on mediation and family assessment.

He met the love of his life, Norah Love, while the two were students in the late 1960s, and the two were married in 1972. Married for over 50 years, their courtship followed by their marriage was a true love story of over half a century. They have three adult children; Amanda, partnered with Brad; Devin, partnered with Alli; and Lenore, partnered with Brandon. These unions produced six wonderful grandchildren: Arya, Maisie, Ezra, Wilton, Ophelia and Miles.

It was Drummond’s drive and commitment to serve his community that brought him into politics, resulting in his election to the provincial Parliament in 1990. He was elected as a member of the Bob Rae NDP government. Among other assignments, he was appointed parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In December 1992, MPP White moved a resolution advocating for the creation of a regulatory body for social workers in Ontario. At that time, Ontario was the only province that did not have such a regulatory body for social workers. A spokesman for the Ministry of Social Services at that time said that such legislation for social work was a low priority for that government.

While Drummond was not successful in getting a bill passed during his time as MPP, a similar bill was enacted in the next provincial Parliament named the Social Work and Social Service Work Act. This was enacted by the Mike Harris PC government in 1998. Drummond was the final witness and speaker before the legislative committee that dealt with that bill and was obviously very pleased when this legislation was finally enacted.

After leaving politics following the 1995 election, Drummond returned to his profession as a social worker. In 1996, he served as co-chair to the Durham Region Coalition for Social Justice. He also participated in other Durham advocacy groups such as Save Our Schools and Save Our Shores. He later joined the board of the Canadian Association of Social Workers. In 2008, he was elected secretary-treasurer. In 2005, he had been chosen as the Ontario recipient of the Canadian Association of Social Workers’s Distinguished Service Award. Drummond White was also on the board of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and was elected vice-president in charge of social and professional advocacy.

I was proud to know Drummond White personally. I think that the best way to describe him, after considering all the formalities and an impressive resumé, is to state simply that he was a good man and a good citizen. As a member of provincial Parliament for Durham Centre and a lifetime community activist, what an incredible life Drummond White lived, what an example he set, what a model for his community.

In later years, he was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Durham, where he took on leadership roles and served as a lay chaplain for many years. What better way to honour his life of service than as best we can by following his example to live a life of love, caring, kindness, love of family, respect and civility for others and advocacy for worthy causes.

My friend, the member for Whitby—the successor riding to Durham Centre—Lorne Coe shared with me a fitting recommendation to remember Drummond by, as he was very proud of his Scottish heritage. The Epitaph on a Friend by Robbie Burns contains these memorable words:

An honest man here lies at rest,

The friend of man, the friend of truth,

The friend of age, and guide of youth;

Few hearts like his, of virtue warm’d,

Few heads with knowledge so inform’d;

If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;

If there is none, he made the best of this.

On behalf of all members of the government caucus, I salute the late Drummond White for his service to our community of Durham region, a community that he called home very proudly. I would also like to thank his family—and, Lenore, you’re here on behalf of the family—for sharing him with us, with the province of Ontario, as a dedicated member of provincial Parliament from 1990 to 1995. Thank you.

Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance for the late Mr. Drummond White, with five minutes allotted to independent members as a group, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition.

The member for Oshawa.

Today, we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Dr. Charles Morris Godfrey, who was the MPP for Durham West during the 30th Parliament.

Dr. Godfrey’s family, including his son, Mark Godfrey, are watching from home this afternoon.

Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery is David Warner, Speaker during the 35th Parliament.

The member for Kingston and the Islands.

Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance for the late Dr. Charles Morris Godfrey, with five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition.

It’s an honour to rise today and to pay tribute to Dr. Charles Morris Godfrey. I want to acknowledge his son, Mark, who is watching from home, along with other friends and family.

Dr. Charles Godfrey was a renowned physician, a true pioneer and trailblazer in physical medicine and rehabilitation, who practised until he was 102 years old. He had an unwavering love for his community, and it was clear in the way he took such pride in serving the people of Durham West from 1975 to 1977 in this chamber.

In 1953, Dr. Charles Godfrey earned his medical degree from the University of Toronto, which he paid for by working as a janitor and scrapyard worker. He would later teach at this university for more than 20 years.

Dr. Godfrey would go on to serve as the director of Toronto East General’s physical medicine and rehabilitation department, and he worked at Toronto General, Toronto Rehab and Sunnybrook Hospitals before being appointed the head of Wellesley hospital’s rehabilitation clinic.

His achievements were recognized in 1989 when he was appointed to the Order of Canada. His award reads: “Deeply committed to humankind and the elimination of human suffering, and although of retirement age, he continues to be involved in an exhausting round of activity.”

The Order of Canada also took into account his political activism, which focused on the environment. He was an instrumental member of the People or Planes campaign, opposing the construction of the Pickering airport.

In an article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 1987, Dr. Godfrey stated that “doctors must show leadership within the community.” That heartfelt concern manifested in his role as director of CARE/Medico, which led him, alongside his wife—a nurse, who passed away in 2002—to volunteer as a visiting doctor in more than 20 countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Few of us reach his age; even fewer of us put every one of their days on this planet to make it a better place.

Today I want to express my deepest respect and admiration for Dr. Charles Morris Godfrey, for a lifetime of contributing to the success of the community he loved, for setting an example for all of us, and for making Ontario a better place. We’re so very fortunate to have had such a passionate and devoted doctor who served in this Legislature.

The member for Ajax.

Family, friends, colleagues and residents of Durham are mourning the loss of former MPP Dr. Charles Morris Godfrey, one of North America’s oldest practising doctors. Joining us today is David Warner, Speaker during the 35th Parliament, and watching from home is his son, Mark Godfrey.

Dr. Godfrey loved life and was famously quoted in 2020 as saying that the trick to aging gracefully is staying interested in life. His other secret was to stay away from TV and to focus on things that mattered.

Born in Philadelphia in 1917, Dr. Charles Godfrey moved to Toronto at a young age. According to a profile published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 1987, he remained in Canada for the rest of his life. His father encouraged him to pursue a life in medicine, but he was also inspired by the Clark Gable movie Men in White.

After serving in the Canadian military for over five years during World War II and qualifying as a physiotherapist while in service, he enrolled in the University of Toronto school of medicine. He paid for his schooling by working as a janitor and scrapyard worker before graduating in 1953.

He joined the royal college of physicians in 1958 and became the medical director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Toronto East General Hospital. Later, he split his time working at Sunnybrook and Toronto Rehabilitation Centre.

Dr. Godfrey married his wife, Margaret, who shared his passion for medicine and helping people. For over 20 years, Dr. Godfrey and his wife would spend six weeks per year as volunteers travelling to developing countries on lecture tours, on behalf of CARE, an international humanitarian agency delivering emergency relief and long-term international development projects. From 1983 to 1985, he chaired CARE, and he later served as chairman of CARE’s international health advisory committee. In 1986, he was awarded the distinguished service award by the organization.

He was invested as a member of the Order of Canada in 1989, and he received the Order of Ontario in 1996.

He was later elected to the Ontario Legislature, representing Durham West as a member of the New Democratic Party of Ontario, from September 18, 1975, to June 8, 1977. He was a member of the 30th Parliament. He ran because he did not want a new international airport built near him. He organized People or Planes in 1975, which grew to an astounding 8,500 members. Two days after being elected, the airport plans were cancelled. He later joked with reporters, “I don’t think there’s another politician in the world who can say he accomplished his political goals as fast as I did.” He later left politics, saying politicians have too many bosses, but he encouraged people to stand up and stick to their convictions.

Dr. Charles Godfrey died at his home in Madoc, Ontario, on July 24, just weeks short of his 105th birthday. He had continued to practise medicine up until age 102.

The university said, “He possessed a remarkable longevity in his practice, supported by his enduring love for medicine and incredible care for his patients.”

Mark Godfrey, his son, said, “He was the smartest guy in the room, all my life, any room we were in.”

Dr. Charles Godfrey was a renowned physician, a true pioneer, and a leading community member.

Thank you, Dr. Godfrey, for all your great contributions to the Durham community and to the medical field.

I’m honoured to pay tribute today to Dr. Charles Morris Godfrey, who, as we all know, was the MPP for Durham West in the 30th Parliament and a member of the New Democratic Party of Ontario.

I would also like to welcome Dr. David Warner, who was the Speaker of the 35th Parliament, and Dr. Godfrey’s son, Mark, who’s watching today from home.

It’s important that we take time to remember those who served in these halls before us. Charles was an incredible person, both in Queen’s Park and out. Charles achieved many accomplishments and accolades throughout his life. He served in the Canadian military for over five years and was a veteran of World War II. He did a fellowship at Oxford, took on various roles at different hospitals across Toronto, and later became professor emeritus of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Toronto. He frequently went overseas to volunteer, practising medicine in developing nations alongside his wife, and he received the Order of Canada in 1989 for both his work in politics and in medicine, just to name a few.

Charles practised medicine until he was 102 years old, which made him one of the oldest practising physicians in North America. He was a pioneer of rehabilitation medicine and did extensive research on topics such as pain modification, rheumatoid arthritis, long-term disabilities and more.

It can be easy to get caught up in everyday facets of life, but Charles remained focused on helping others his entire life. He did all of this while still raising three children with his wife, Margaret. Margaret helped to support their family when Charles went to medical school. She, too, was in the health care field, as a nurse. They supported each other until her passing in 2002.

I think Charles is truly an example of someone who has dedicated their life of service to others. This kind selflessness and dedication is rare and is something we should all aspire to.

As an MPP, Charles was a staunch environmental activist, and his passion was exemplified by his role in the People or Planes campaign. This dedication never stopped. He joined Pickering residents in 2012 to commemorate the campaign and said it was “absolutely refreshing to see there’s still people who get together and think they can change what the government is going to do.”

What I find is most remarkable about Charles, though, is that he worked his entire life to make the world a better place for people. He practised medicine with the perspective of treating the whole person and not just the ailment at hand. He humanized scary topics for his patients and made them feel safe—and I’m betting that’s part of the reason why he still had patients coming to him at the age of 99.

Although I never had the honour of meeting Charles, I feel that his spirit is captured through the stories that are shared by his family, friends, co-workers and those who were impacted by his work.

His son, Mark, remembers him as someone who never slowed down and was vigorous with his work. Had it not been for COVID, he thinks his father probably would have practised medicine longer. Medicine was a vocation for Charles. Helping others was his calling.

I think all anyone can really hope for is a long, fulfilled and happy life like Charles had. He saw war, he saw hardships, recessions, poverty, disasters, and he even saw the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet he still remained hopeful. I think the lesson here is to be resilient and to stay hopeful and committed to your cause.

I want to end off by sharing a quote from Charles, one that I think is critical for all of us to remember: “Don’t give up the fight ... but stick to your point and make sure you’re standing up for the right.”

It’s tough to do due diligence to such a force like Charles. But one thing that I know is Charles will be remembered and his impact on this world will be felt for lasting generations. We’re grateful for the time that he gave to this province and the time that he spent around the world.

Thank you to Mark and the family who are watching from home. He has definitely left a living legacy.

Applause.

Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance for the late Mr. Robert Huget, with five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition.

It’s an honour to rise in the Legislature today and pay tribute to the late Robert “Bob” Huget, who served as the Sarnia member of provincial Parliament in Ontario’s 35th Parliament from 1990 to 1995. Bob passed away this past June and is greatly missed by his wife, Lori; his daughter Susannah Huget; and his many friends and colleagues who are here today.

Born and educated in Saskatchewan, Bob eventually found his occupational calling in the oil and gas sector, both in BC and Alberta. His interest in this field led him to move to Lambton county, the hub of Ontario’s oil and gas industry, where he worked at Shell Oil’s chemical plant in various capacities. At the same time, he developed a passion for the organized labour movement, eventually becoming the president of Local 800 of the Energy and Chemical Workers Union.

He also owned and operated a small livestock business prior to his time at Queen’s Park, and additionally he served as a member of the Lambton College board of governors, the Sarnia/Lambton Employee Assistance Council and the Canadian Council on Working Life.

In 1990, Bob was elected Sarnia’s first New Democratic Party member of provincial Parliament as part of the Bob Rae NDP government. Bob served in many roles, including as a junior minister responsible for economic development and trade. I remember that election very well. I remember the front-page headline in the paper, the mayor of Sarnia down on one knee acknowledging the victory by Bob Huget that night. There won’t be anybody else here other than his family that will remember that story.

Before and after serving at Queen’s Park, Bob was a tireless leader in the labour movement, both at home and at the provincial level. He was a fearless advocate for workplace justice, health and safety, and for the rights of the working people. Bob was once described in a London Free Press article as “tall, lean and intense,” and I agree with that wholeheartedly.

I had the privilege of meeting Bob on several occasions, and although we served on opposite sides of the political fence, we both shared a mutual respect for our constituents, along with a passion for the hard-working labour community of our area. I also worked in the oil and chemical sector, like Mr. Huget did, before I got here.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Glenn Sonier, a past labour leader from the Sarnia community who also worked with Bob at Shell Canada and also shared his passion for organized labour and for the betterment of the lives of Ontario workers. Glenn and Bob worked together at Shell Canada, but it was their efforts outside the workplace, especially with trade unions, that truly motivated them both. Glenn said that, from the very first time they met, he knew Bob was meant to be a leader and that he cared deeply about the workers and what Glenn called the average guy.

Bob’s time at Queen’s Park served him well in his later union leadership roles, as he learned how to be an even stronger advocate for workers and their families. Glenn told me about one time that Bob organized what he called—this was when he was in government, his own government—an occupation of the labour minister’s office. Bob had invited three widows of workers who had died from workplace exposure—I think probably from fibreglass or Dow Chemical—to join him at this occupation. Glenn was amazed by the passion and fortitude that Bob showed in organizing the occupation, which literally helped bring this issue right to the Minister of Labour’s door.

Bob also had a great passion for spreading the labour message and for building a stronger New Democratic Party, especially for young people. Glenn recalled going to Toronto for a meeting with Bob and being invited by him at that time to join him at an NDP convention. At the time, Glenn was travelling with his elderly father and his 11-year-old son, so Bob told him he would make some calls and wrangle an invitation for all three visitors. Glenn’s father was a lifelong Liberal Party supporter up to that point in life, but he was won over by Bob’s friendliness and hospitality. In fact, Bob went out of his way to introduce the three visitors to a number of high-profile NDP leaders, including Ed Broadbent and Jack Layton. Glenn’s father was so impressed that he became an avid NDP supporter, and so did Glenn’s young son. So you never know who you’re going to meet in this world.

Passion, determination and a love for the working person were all hallmarks of Bob Huget. He was truly a man of the people and someone who dedicated his life to bettering the lives of everyone he met.

Thank you, Bob, for having a lifelong passion for working people, whether it was in the oil and gas industry, as an MPP here at Queen’s Park or through your decades of involvement in the organized labour movement. Because of your efforts, you truly left a legacy that you can be proud of, both in Sarnia–Lambton and across our province. And to his family and friends: I know that Canada is a better place today, Ontario is a better place, and I know Sarnia–Lambton is a better place for Bob Huget.

Thank you to those who are joining online as we remember Dr. Charles Morris Godfrey.

Today we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Mr. Bob Huget, who was the MPP for Sarnia during the 35th Parliament.

Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery are Mr. Huget’s family and friends: his wife, Lori Mackenzie; his daughter, Susannah Huget; his niece Lily Mackenzie; his brothers-in-law David Mackenzie, Dan Mackenzie, Andrew Mackenzie and John Wark; his sisters-in-law Elizabeth Shilton and Jill Marzetti; and his friends Maura McClellan, Andre Foucault and Rhona Foucault. And we still have in the gallery with us the Speaker of the 35th Parliament, Mr. David Warner. Thank you, and welcome.

The member for Don Valley East.

Mr. Robert Huget was a man whose life was marked by deep commitments to helping others and advocating for workers’ rights.

Bob possessed all the qualities you could ask for in a leader, and that shines through in the legacy he leaves behind. Bob did not need to go into politics. He left a successful career in the energy sector and cattle business, singularly motivated by the desire to improve people’s lives. There is no doubt that Bob, through his tireless advocacy and lasting contributions to the city of Sarnia, fulfilled that desire.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1947, Bob made his way around Canada before settling in Sarnia, Ontario, with his wife Linda. Early in his career, he excelled in a variety of jobs in oil and oil exploration. Thankfully, Shell Oil was able to attract Bob to Sarnia in 1978, where he joined their chemical plant. There, he developed his passion for workers’ rights and shop floor dynamics.

During his time at Shell, Bob adopted a team approach to organizational design and industrial relations. He believed that management and labour should be able to sit down and work together to resolve issues in a fair and dignified way. It follows then that Bob was a fair and dignified man, the kind anyone would follow as a leader. Because of this quality, he often took on high-pressure union roles. People relied on Bob’s advocacy to protect their rights and they trusted him with this responsibility, one that he never shrunk away from.

Bob led his life with a sense of duty. He became president of the Energy and Chemical Workers Union, Local 800. He threw himself into the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada and joined the Sarnia-Lambton employment assistance council and the Lambton College board of governors. He also served as vice-president of the Canadian council on working life. Running for office was the next logical step.

When Bob campaigned to be a member of provincial Parliament, he used nothing but face-to-face interactions at the door and group meetings. He knew that authentic and meaningful engagement was the brand of politics that would resonate most with voters, and it was the brand that came most naturally to him.

On September 6, 1990, Bob won his seat in the Ontario Legislature and, in 1991, was appointed parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Energy. He was later promoted to the position of Minister without Portfolio responsible for economic development and trade.

Bob Huget rose to some pretty high places. However, at the end of the day, he was most proud of the real tangible things he had done to make a difference in people’s lives. When asked what his key accomplishment as an MPP was, Bob responded that he was most proud of bringing a new process-technology training centre to Lambton College in Sarnia, providing a place for high-tech training in the petrochemical, mining and food processing industries. This centre is part of Bob’s legacy and is responsible for launching countless careers.

The way Bob sounds in his interviews, you could tell that he really listened—not only did he listen, but he cared. He cared and was equipped with the knowledge, experience and the expertise to make a difference. He was deeply invested in his community, in people and in our democracy.

I understand that Bob maintained his persevering spirit and sense of humour until the end. I would like to acknowledge Bob’s guests and thank them for lending him to this chamber. Thank you to Bob’s family, friends and colleagues for being here with us today in honour of his memory.

It’s my great honour to rise on behalf of the NDP caucus to pay tribute to Bob Huget, who served in the NDP government as MPP for Sarnia from 1990 to 1995, and from 1994 as Minister without Portfolio, responsible for economic development.

Bob was a proud New Democrat and trade unionist, one of those people who bleeds orange, whose unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and activism for social justice exemplifies the values and principles upon which our party was founded. Bob’s family and friends shared many of those same values and deep NDP roots. I want to welcome here today Bob’s loving spouse of 24 years, Lori Mackenzie; their beloved daughter, Susannah Huget; Bob’s brothers-in-law, David, Dan and Andrew Mackenzie and John Wark; his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Shilton and Jill Marzetti; his niece Lily Mackenzie; and friends Maura McClellan, Andre Foucault and Rhona Foucault.

As a member of the Ontario Legislature, Bob was well liked by his colleagues both within the NDP caucus and across party lines. Former NDP Premier Bob Rae called him “one of the most respected members of the Legislature ... a decent and hard-working representative with a deep commitment to equality and social justice.”

Former MPP Karen Haslam describes Bob as a wonderful friend and “tireless advocate for the rights of working men and women ... a man of conscience with a sense of humour that made working with him a pleasure.”

Other members of the class of 1990, former MPP Gilles Bisson and Speaker David Warner, who is also with us today, recall Bob’s effectiveness as a parliamentarian, whose style and clear, direct manner of speaking made members stop and actually listen to what he had to say.

Bob was a popular MPP among staff as well. NDP leader Marit Stiles, who worked in Bob’s ministry office, told me that Bob was a great team player who appreciated the work of staff and truly understood the privilege and responsibility he had to effectively represent his community, and she said, “He had the best and most infectious laugh.”

Liberal MPP Sean Conway said, “Listening to Bob, one got a strong and principled articulation of the labour point of view,” adding that “Bob was good company and always had something interesting to say about the news of the day.”

Bob’s credentials as a lifelong New Democrat were established early. Born in Saskatchewan in 1947, a province governed by then-Premier Tommy Douglas, Bob eventually moved to Sarnia to work for Shell Oil, where his passion for workers’ rights led to his election as president of Local 800 of the Energy and Chemical Workers Union and years of volunteering in local, provincial and federal NDP campaigns.

Following the 1995 election, Bob moved to Hamilton, becoming Ontario vice-president of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. MPP Peter Tabuns told me that as CEP leader, Bob was amazingly generous with his time, drawing on his deep knowledge of Queen’s Park, the labour movement and industry to provide invaluable advice to Peter on climate issues and just transition.

Over his last decade and a half, Bob showed incredible courage, determination and grit in his struggle with COPD, never losing hope or his sense of humour. He was an avid NASCAR fan who took over the running of the NASCAR pool for his final 10 years. He found a new cause and new purpose as St. Joseph’s Healthcare’s patient and family adviser for those living with COPD, becoming close personal friends with his respirologist.

Bob’s wife, Lori, told me that for Bob, his advocacy for people with lung disease was perhaps his most meaningful and rewarding public contribution. The week after Bob’s passing, St. Joe’s lowered its flag to half-mast in recognition of Bob’s great passion to improve services for patients and for showing that the best way to change patient care is by listening to patient stories.

Bob Huget passed away on June 1, 2022, at the age of 75. He was a loving and supportive spouse to Lori, a wonderful father to Susie and a champion and friend to many. Our sincere condolences to all whose lives were touched by Bob, and our profound gratitude for his lifetime of service to working people and all Ontarians.

Applause.

The member for London West.