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.

It is always an honour to stand in this proud Legislature, and today, it is my honour on behalf of Ontario’s New Democrats to pay tribute to Drummond White. I am pleased to acknowledge Drummond’s family and friends who are watching today’s tributes from Whitby and beyond: Drummond’s wife and partner of 50 years, Norah Love; children Amanda, Devin and Lenore, and their spouses Brad, Alli and Brandon; and beloved grandchildren Arya, Maisie, Ezra, Wilton, Ophelia and Miles. Drummond’s sister, Rosemary Johnston, nieces Kate, Alison and Emily and extended family and friends are also watching. And we would like to welcome Drummond’s daughter Lenore White to the Legislature today, and David Warner, the 35th Speaker.

When we pay tribute to former MPPs, it is a special chance to share the life and legacy of someone who worked to shape the world we live in, and in Drummond White’s case, the legacy of someone who was inspired by the world around him and an inspiration to those he met along the way. For anyone who met Drummond, they knew that he would listen with conviction and laugh with wild abandon, and we will miss that laugh.

Henry Perrin Drummond White was born in Toronto on March 19, 1951. As a child, he was bright, independent and a voracious reader and critical thinker. He was philosophically a social democrat from a very young age, and that never wavered.

Drummond came from a very conservative family. In fact, two of his first cousins are Perrin Beatty, the former MP and cabinet minister, and George Beatty, currently an Ontario judge and former Conservative MPP.

While respectful of his family’s background, Drummond never shied from making his own way and daring to march to a different drum. As a teenager at Oshawa’s O’Neill Collegiate in the 1960s, he invited Ed Broadbent to speak to the entire school assembly, which was quite bold in that community at that time, as his wife, Norah, recalled to me. Norah also shared that Drummond and she met in 1969 on day one at the University of Toronto. They were both studying English literature, philosophy and psychology, and they were, as she describes it, “somewhat hippieish, enjoying the music and counterculture of the times.” She was sure Drummond had a book in his hand when they met, probably Leonard Cohen poetry or maybe a political manifesto. They got married in 1972, settled in Whitby in 1981, and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in September 2022 with their beloved family of three kids and now six active grandchildren.

Drummond’s commitment to social justice and social democracy was lifelong, not just during his time in the Legislature or serving with the NDP. Wherever they lived, Drummond would get involved in the local NDP riding associations and volunteer on campaigns. He always wanted to get the message out there, regardless of the outcome.

Although his parents might have liked him to pursue law, Drummond chose social work as his career. Social democrat values are consistent with those of social work and also with Unitarian principles, and Drummond was a chaplain for years at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Durham, and was very involved within that community.

As a social worker, Drummond worked with vulnerable individuals in child protection and counselling services, both on the job and in his free time. He was an active advocate for people across the community and province. He worked on welfare reform and child poverty issues, volunteered with immigrant support groups, and stood up for environmental protection, long-term care, LGBTQ rights and issues of equity and fairness across communities.

Drummond was very involved in professional social work organizations, as we’ve heard, and in 2005 was awarded the Canadian Association of Social Workers’ distinguished service award. Drummond would show up, stand up and speak up on social justice causes all his life.

Drummond’s family remembers a lifetime of attending vigils and demonstrations over the years. His kids would no doubt remember joining picket lines and events like Save Our Shores in Whitby, Eaton’s workers strikes and plenty of others, not to mention lots and lots of neighbourhood walks handing out leaflets.

Drummond was always involved in various campaigns—and as all of us know, not all of them are winning campaigns. In 1990, Drummond ran for the NDP. Norah told me that they weren’t expecting to win that election, so on election night, he was in the hot tub in the backyard. They called him, and someone said, “You’d better get over here,” and he was thinking, “Why? What’s the rush?” So they told him, “It looks like you won, and Al Furlong is on the way to congratulate you.” So he had to get out of the hot tub, dry off and get to his victory party. I hadn’t heard that story before preparing for this tribute, and I don’t know whether Norah is happy that I’m sharing it, but I’m sharing it.

In 1990, ridings that weren’t typically orange went orange in a wave. Drummond White ably represented the area of Whitby and part of Oshawa as the NDP MPP for Durham Centre from 1990 to 1995. He continued to be locally committed and involved in the Ontario NDP, and in 2017, was proud to be honoured with a lifetime membership.

Drummond was a strong political force locally and was an active parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, serving this House until 1995. Although he always followed politics and current events, Drummond had many more interests that informed his beliefs and his values. He loved the arts, literature, music, travel, physical adventure, and family.

I did not meet Drummond through politics. I met him through local theatre. No one would be surprised that Drummond and I both have occasionally tended towards the dramatic. In fact, the last time I saw Drummond was on a visit to Stratford, when we ran into Drummond and Norah. We were at a play and all had the chance for a quick visit at intermission. Many folks know well that Drummond and Norah were members at Stratford, and each season, the minute anyone could get tickets, Drummond was figuring out the schedules and getting tickets for the whole season—the whole entire season, and all the plays every season. For Drummond, theatre and arts were a family affair. His children grew up being taken to theatre and live events, folk festivals, concerts, science centres and museums. They spent time in nature along the French River and on many family trips.

Many people remember competitive chess with Drummond, although no one seems to remember winning.

Friends recall Drummond with his books and his dog and, usually, a Cuban cigar on the porch of Burr Lodge.

Drummond was always proud of his Scottish heritage and often solved all of the world’s problems with friends over a glass of Scotch.

Drummond White died on November 25, 2022, with his family by his side. The thoughtful and familiar tributes shared at this service made it very clear that Drummond had meant so much to so many. His six young grandkids loved their grandpa, and each put a Scotch thistle into a vase at the beginning of the service. Family and friends shared wonderful tributes.

Friend Niki Lundquist of Whitby shared, “When someone looks back at a life and can say, ‘They inspired me.’ That their hope for better, that their commitment to progress for people, that their activism and their politics improved lives in a real and tangible way—that is a rich legacy. It is a legacy of hard work and hope. For better. For everyone. That is Drummond’s legacy.”

Drummond White was committed to family and community, to newcomers and new friends, to justice and democracy, the environment, creativity and thought, and he debated, inspired, fought, challenged and changed the world he loved so deeply.

Drummond White wasn’t like anyone else I have ever met. He set a unique, authentic and enthusiastic example for living life. It was always clear he loved the journey and he loved his family.

This Legislature and the province of Ontario are grateful to Drummond’s family for sharing him with us.

Over Drummond and Norah’s kitchen table is a picture of Tommy Douglas, and on their wall is a Leonard Cohen print. It was Leonard Cohen who said, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” But it was Drummond White who shone a brilliant and true light and reflected any ray of light he came across to make the world so much brighter.

Thank you, Drummond. You will be missed.

Applause.

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.

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.

Thank you to the members of the family and friends who have joined us here in the gallery as we remember Mr. Robert Huget. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Today, we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Mr. David Caplan, who was the MPP for Oriole during the 36th Parliament and for Don Valley East during the 37th, 38th and 39th Parliaments.

Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery and public galleries are Mr. Caplan’s family and friends: his wife, Leigh Caplan; his sons, Jacob Caplan and Ben Caplan; his mother, the Hon. Elinor Caplan, who represented the provincial riding of Oriole as MPP during the 33rd, 34th, 35th and 36th Parliaments, and the federal riding of Thornhill as member of Parliament from 1997 to 2004; his father, Wilfred Caplan; his brother and best friend, Mark Caplan; his sister, Meredith Caplan; his sister-in-law Claire Caplan; his brother-in-law Rob Jameson; his nieces and nephews Max Caplan, Angus Caplan, Rory Caplan and Sadie Caplan; his aunt Rhoda Caplan; his cousins Jason Caplan, Emma Paisley, Joe Donahue, Sam Donahue, Alan Spiegel, Marla Spiegel and Diane Verbeeten; his friend Debbie Fisher; Emily Thompson-Savage; Michael Coteau, who represented the riding of Don Valley East as MPP during the 40th, 41st and 42nd Parliaments; Han Dong, who represented the riding of Trinity–Spadina as MPP during the 41st Parliament; former member for Beaches–East York Arthur Potts; and many, many additional friends, supporters and former staff. Welcome.

Applause.

I’ll recognize the Solicitor General.

I rise today on behalf of His Majesty’s government to pay tribute to a special public servant, the late Mr. David Caplan. I also want to acknowledge the presence here of our former Speaker, Speaker Warner, who is with us in the gallery.

I want to begin by recognizing, as you did, Madam Speaker, David’s loved ones: his mother Elinor, a former cabinet minister, both of this House and in Parliament in Ottawa; his father Wilfred; David’s wife, Leigh, and sons, Jacob and Ben; his brother and best friend Mark; and many other family members who are with us today joining us at Queen’s Park. And thank you, former Minister Caplan, for sharing a few words about your son earlier.

David’s career at Queen’s Park was based on the values that many of us hold dear, of service over self, and this was a value instilled in him at a young age by both of his parents, Elinor and Wilfred Caplan.

Although I did not know David, I really would have liked our paths to have crossed, because I know from the colleagues in this House what a good fortune it was to have him here with us. It’s a real honour to have both a mother and son not only serve in this House, but serve in the same portfolio in different administrations as the Minister of Health. It’s quite unbelievable, and something rare.

When he passed, my colleague from Nepean who served with Mr. Caplan said, “He was a good public servant and a kind soul.” His former staff members noted that he was really “someone who had friends from all political stripes.” These recollections give us an important glimpse as to who David Caplan was as a person.

In preparing this tribute, I spoke to colleagues of mine here. My great colleague and friend, the member behind me from Sarnia–Lambton, was here when David was here. He said he had a great sense of humour and made an effort to get to know MPPs from all parties, even while serving as a government minister.

My colleague from Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock, who would sit here, echoed this sentiment, noting that Mr. Caplan was a team player and could disagree on policy but was always friendly and able to share a laugh. She noted his dedication to his family and constituents.

We are lucky to live in Ontario, and we’re fortunate to serve here at Queen’s Park. Former Minister Caplan, as you know, less than 2,000 of us have had the honour to serve here, and both you and your son were one of them.

This is a place where we strive to make collegiality count, and members across the aisle have a lot of mutual respect for one another, especially in the halls. David Caplan emulated these values.

David cared about important causes like the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity. Before coming to Queen’s Park, he started as a school trustee, as you told me earlier. He was always looking forward and working towards a better tomorrow.

I might add, to his wife, Leigh: We know it. We know that without having a supportive spouse and parents, you can’t make it here. You helped him along the way, and it’s important that we acknowledge you as well.

He served in both government and in opposition, always willing to extend a hand of friendship.

He was also one of the few members of the Jewish community who served here, both as a member and as a cabinet minister, and we acknowledge that as well.

We know that when someone passes, it’s a dark time. As the years go on, although the pain hopefully subsides, grief continues in different ways. Learning about David’s life and legacy, especially from my colleagues and his family, it’s clear that David was a light, and we should take comfort in remembering what a little light can do in darkness: It can give us that little bit of hope.

Today we honour David Caplan because he believed in Ontario, he believed our best days lie ahead, he believed in our province and in our future. Parce qu’il croyait en notre province et en notre avenir.

David fulfilled his duty to his province, honoured his commitment to his constituents and his family and brought so much light to so many. We will always remember him. May his memory be for a blessing.

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

I want to welcome the family of David to Queen’s Park. When I was first elected in 2007, I became the critic for the Ministry of Health. Soon after—in June 2008, I think—David became the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. I knew his mother and had a lot of respect for what Minister Caplan had done before, so I was looking forward to working with her son. David did not disappoint. From the first time I went and introduced myself, he greeted me with respect. He greeted me with a huge smile and said, “I’m new on the job.” He had just been named Minister of Health. He was going to learn the file, but if there was anything he could do to help, he was always willing to talk, always willing to listen.

He wanted to make a difference. He would talk about his sons, Benjamin and Jacob, who were quite small 15 years ago, but he wanted to make Ontario a better place for all of us and for them. They were always there at the front of what he was trying to do.

I introduced my first private member’s bill while he was Minister of Health. I introduced it on November 5, second reading November 27, third reading December 4, and royal assent on December 10. Not too many private members’ bills go forward. It was a private member’s bill—I printed it just for fun.

The number is Bill 124, but not the Bill 124 we all know. This one, nobody knows about it. It’s called An Act to amend the Smoke-Free Ontario Act with respect to cigarillos.

David understood health promotion and disease prevention. He loved the topic. He knew that if Ontario was to make a difference in health promotion and disease prevention, it would not only help the people of Ontario; it would also help the health care system, and this is why he agreed for my first private member’s bill to carry forward and become the law in Ontario. We were the first to ban flavoured cigarillos. Cigarillos were really cheap little cigarettes that were marketed mainly to kids. They came in flavours like strawberry shortcake and chocolate, and they really, really, targeted the kids with those products. David understood that and agreed to pass the bill.

There’s something else: I got to ask him a ton of questions, being health critic. He was Minister of Health during his time as minister. I want to read one of his answers and I’ll put it in perspective.

He’s answering to me: “I know that Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has had the chance to connect with the member opposite, has in fact chatted with the member and answered her questions related to the protocols between medical officers of health, public health units....” I’m putting that forward because he always made the resources of the Ministry of Health available to the opposition. That’s not something that I’ve had the pleasure of having with other Ministers of Health that came after him, but David always did. If we wanted more information, if I wanted a briefing, if I wanted a more in-depth discussion about anything, he was always open, and I truly thank him for that.

I also thanked him—he invited me and hundreds of other people to a huge conference in July 2009, when he was Minister of Health, and organized the biggest conference on mental health and addiction. I want to put you back in 2009: The stigma against mental health and addiction that is still alive today was way worse in 2009, but David, as the minister, had the confidence to take that on.

He helped address stigma right on. He gave people with lived experience an opportunity to be heard. I would say that this conference—it was huge, I forgot how many hundreds of people. We had never had anything like that in Ontario before. It was something that David really believed in; we needed to change the way mental health and addiction was being supported in Ontario, and he did that. He did that very well. I would say a lot of things in mental health and addiction changed for the better after he organized this huge conference.

I could go on and on to share some personal experience with David. I want you to know that I was as shocked and saddened as anybody else when I heard of his passing. He will be remembered for a lot of good work that he has done in this Legislature. He left way too early, but he did a good job when he was there. He was a friend, and I miss him.

On November 18, 1993, the Honourable Elinor Caplan, who was then the Member of Provincial Parliament for Oriole, rose in this very chamber to speak in support of 10 statutory holidays in Ontario. In her remarks, she quoted a report which recommended that one day in February should be set aside every year to become known as Family Day. Fourteen years later, her son, a minister in the cabinet of Premier Dalton McGuinty, would sit in this very same Legislature and help to pass the legislation which would make that Family Day in February a reality. It couldn’t be a more fitting metaphor for what he, his mother and all of his relatives stood for: family.

On Family Day of this year, I was overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from friends, relatives and colleagues about the remarkable man who David Richard Caplan was. David Caplan served as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Oriole and later Don Valley East between 1997 and 2011. During this time, he distinguished himself as a singularly competent politician who was entirely devoted to his riding and this province. Of his constituency office, for example, it has been noted that it was perennially busy and that David took particular pride in ensuring that the people in his riding had their issues addressed quickly and completely.

Multiple people, including John Sewell, Martin Regg Cohn, Andy Stein and Michael Coteau—the MPP who would follow him in Don Valley East—have told me that one of David’s greatest qualities was his ability and desire to connect with people who had diverse perspectives. “It would be a pretty boring place if everyone believed the same thing that I do,” David used to say.

Perhaps it is because of this humility and devotion to service that David was assigned some of the most challenging positions in the cabinet of Premier Dalton McGuinty. He was chosen as the inaugural minister in the newly formed Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, tasked with a multi-billion dollar budget to rebuild Ontario’s crumbling roads, hospitals, courts and other essential infrastructure. In this capacity, he was innovative and audacious. For example, he envisioned a plan to stop suburban sprawl and protect green spaces and farmland while promoting economic growth and housing, a plan so bold that it would require cajoling developers, municipalities, environmentalists and even the late Hazel McCallion to all take important steps that would make this possible.

This award-winning plan, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, was enacted in 2006 and worked hand in hand with forming and preserving our province’s greenbelt. He also developed ReNew Ontario, a $30-billion plan for critical public infrastructure development that would be the first long-term capital-investment plan in this province’s entire history.

How could one man so quickly make such an impact? Premier Dalton McGuinty wrote to me and helped me understand: “David was one of the most naturally gifted politicians with whom I’ve ever had the honour to work. He had exceptional political instincts which served him well on the hustings, in the House and at the cabinet table. David loved the game. He was all in, but it was much more than just a game for him. David Caplan was determined to make a difference. Lucky for Ontario, he left his permanent mark on our province.”

But in all of this, it would be a disservice to speak only to David’s political accomplishments. Indeed, his greatest source of pride was his family and, if I am to be precise, his boys in particular. Speaking with those who know him, it is clear just how much he had to be proud of. His mother is, as you heard, none other than the Honourable Elinor Caplan, a distinguished MPP, MP and federal cabinet minister. She joins us today.

Theirs was a political family in which David had the honour of serving in the same riding that his mother had represented. In his campaigns, she drove the sign truck. His father was the CFO, and the boys, Jacob and Ben Caplan, were never left behind.

Jacob and Ben’s father was the kind of man who would step out of a speaking engagement to take their phone calls, even as minister; who would take the time out of his busy schedule to travel all the way to Corner Brook, Newfoundland, to support Ben at the national Special Olympics floor hockey tournament—and then, mind you, volunteer to be a commentator and impress everyone by his mastery of the names and numbers.

As favourite moments, Jacob recalls a daily ritual of bacon and eggs for breakfast presented by his father and nights at the family cottage staring at stars with telescopes. Ben recalls a trip to Cleveland to visit the football and rock and roll halls of fame.

His wife, Leigh, who he knew since they first crossed paths in grade 13, shared with me that he always made time to phone everyone in his family, many times on a near-daily basis.

Family was also a vehicle for him to indulge in some of his personal passions. David loved games, especially strategy games. Few people will know that he was a world-class bridge player who loved to play with his beloved brother Mark.

Additionally, he loved food—all kinds, but Chinese in particular—so much so that, to this day, his international family continues to commemorate his life annually on his birthday with a celebration called “dine with Dave,” in which they enjoy some of his favourite foods, no matter where they are in the world, and share photos with each other. That’s what family meant to him.

When I spoke to the interim Liberal leader, John Fraser, about David, he gave me a perspective that really speaks to why we are all here today. He said, “I simply would like to thank David’s family for sharing him with us. Warm, funny and authentic, he was steadfastly dedicated to serving his community and our province.”

And that’s why we are all here today—friends, family, colleagues and that grateful province—to honour a man who was kind, compassionate, hard-working and selfless in his pursuit of a better government and a better Ontario. We mourn and remember him today. Thank you.

Applause.

The member for Don Valley East.