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.

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.

I wish to thank the family members and the numerous friends and distinguished guests who have joined us today as we remember Mr. David Caplan. I apologize if I mispronounced his name before. Thank you for being here, and 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 Ms. Marietta L.D. Roberts, who was the MPP for Elgin during the 34th Parliament.

Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery are Ms. Roberts’s family and friends: her nieces, Emily Glover, Elena Roberts and Laurie Little; her nephews-in-law, Mike Harder, Adam Glover and Scott Jesney; her great-nieces and -nephews, Hayden Harder, Victoria Jesney and Matthew Jesney; and her family friend Darcelle Hall. Also in the Speaker’s gallery is Lauren Scully, representing Marietta’s friends and colleagues at the Ontario Court of Justice, the Office of the Chief Justice and the justice of the peace bench. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The member for Elgin–Middlesex–London.

Thank you, Speaker. I rise in the House today disappointed I never met or got to know Marietta Roberts.

I spoke with former Premier David Peterson about his colleague Marietta, and he had this to say: “Marietta lit up every room she entered with her big personality”—and if he said it once, he said it four times. “She was a great MPP, lawyer and judge, and across every party line, everyone enjoyed her company.”

Paying tribute to a former member of this esteemed Legislature is both an honour and an important task, as we must always remember those who fulfilled their public duty to serve constituents, the province and our country.

Marietta Roberts was not only the first woman to be elected as the member of provincial Parliament for Elgin county, but started school—get this—at the incredible age of two. And I confirmed the story just a few minutes ago. Why, might you ask? Her mother was a teacher, and she didn’t want her daughter staying at home on the farm learning “bad words,” so she brought her two-year-old into class. She graduated quite early, and you will hear a little bit more as I go along.

Obviously, her education path became a defining journey in her youth. Ms. Roberts attended the University of Western Ontario, majoring in history, and graduated at the tender age of 20. After a brief teaching career, she was accepted into law school at Dalhousie, with her main interest being family law and civil law.

Born and raised a farm girl, Marietta never lost her love for the land and for animals. Music and performance art also played an important role in her life, as did travel, both domestically and trips abroad.

While practising law in St. Thomas, Marietta got the political bug, becoming very involved in the local Liberal Party. From 1972 to 1978, she served on the Yarmouth school board and subsequently was elected chair of the Elgin county public school board. She ran federally in 1974 and provincially 1975, and while not successful in these two political endeavours, she remained active working as a lawyer and on her family farm.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ms. Roberts helped form the Elgin Women’s Law Association that served as a network for women lawyers in Elgin and Middlesex counties. From 1987 to 1990, Marietta Roberts served as the MPP for Elgin. At Queen’s Park, Ms. Roberts served as the first woman to be elected to the Chair of the Committee of the Whole House and elected chair of caucus for the Liberal provincial government. During her time in Toronto, she was also vice-chair of the constitutional committee that worked diligently on the Meech Lake Accord.

Current MP from Elgin-Middlesex-London, Karen Vecchio, told me, “The relationship between the Roberts and Martyn families”—Karen’s maiden name is Martyn—“runs generations deep.” In fact, their farms back on to one another. “Marietta had numerous friends and treated all with respect and fairness,” a consistent theme that I’m hearing as I learn more about this wonderful lady.

After politics in 1991, Ms. Roberts became the first woman from Elgin county appointed as an Ontario Court of Justice judge, and was later appointed Associate Chief Justice for Ontario.

According to Steve Peters, former Liberal MPP for Elgin–Middlesex–London, a minister and former Speaker of this Legislature, “The Liberals were in the wilderness in Elgin for 42 years. When Marietta won in 1987, the campaign team was so excited”—how about this—“they held an old style ‘torch light’ parade with burning brooms that began on Talbot Street in St. Thomas to celebrate.” I’ll admit I would like to have been there to see that.

Mr. Peters continued with her deep appreciation of history. She and a local group, including Steve Peters, worked to secure and preserve the historic Thomas Talbot estate, even convincing then Premier Peterson of the merits.

One evening, he said “I was driving with her to a meeting on the property and Marietta was driving, and she was known to have a bit of a heavy foot.” And I confirmed this with Minister Clark, that ministers today—but back then, MPPs—had the bumblebee sticker on their licence plates signifying that you were a public servant. She got pulled over. The officer approached, paused and noticed the bumblebee sticker on the licence plates, and then came to the window and said, “Slow down, ma’am.” She replied, “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir”—no ticket. As Steve says, “I can imagine the smiles on our faces still as we drove down the road. We know we got away with one.”

In conclusion, Speaker, I understand her family and friends, many of whom are up in the gallery today, are gathered here in the Legislature and are at home watching this tribute and later this evening a celebration of life for a life well lived will be also conducted.

I wish I had known Marietta Roberts because I believe, had I known her, we would have become fast friends.

Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the late Ms. Marietta L.D. Roberts, 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.

It’s an honour to rise today on behalf of the official opposition to pay tribute to Marietta Roberts, a trailblazer with a very big heart.

I want to begin by welcoming her family and friends to the Legislature: her nieces and nephews, Emily Glover, Elena Roberts, Laurie Little, Adam Glover, Mike Harder and Scott Jesney; her great nieces and nephews Hayden Harder, Matthew Jesney and Victoria Jesney; her friend Darcelle Hall; and Lauren Scully, representing the Ontario Court of Justice, the Office of the Chief Justice, and the justice of the peace bench.

I’d also like to acknowledge the family and friends who are watching us from St. Thomas today.

Family and friends were very important to Marietta. She loved spending time with you, so thank you for all the time that you sacrificed with your loved one while Marietta was engaged in the long and honourable career of public service.

Marietta Roberts was born and raised on a family farm in Yarmouth township, Elgin county, but while she helped out on the family farm as a child, there was a different path ahead for Marietta. She attended the University of Western Ontario and the Ontario teachers’ college, teaching at Alma College for three years before turning her attention to law and politics in 1971.

It’s easy now to forget just how unusual these career choices were in 1971 and just how different things were for women in this field.

In 1971, fewer than 10 women had ever been elected to the Ontario Legislature. The first female cabinet minister wouldn’t be named until 1972, and in 1972, only 5% of all lawyers practising in Ontario were women. Forty per cent of Toronto law firms that year freely admitted they were prejudiced towards women applying for articling positions.

But Marietta didn’t just enter a difficult field for women; she blazed trails everywhere she turned, serving as the acting crown attorney for Elgin county, as one of the founding members of the Ontario child representation office and as chair of the Elgin County Board of Education.

She ran in two elections: the federal election of 1974 and the provincial election of 1975. Two defeats didn’t hold Marietta back. She went on to make history as the first woman ever elected to represent Elgin county in the Ontario Legislature, defeating the dean of the Legislature in 1987.

Marietta didn’t stop there either. She became the first-ever woman elected to be the Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole House in Ontario. She was also chair of the Liberal caucus. In her parliamentary work she was recognized by former Premier David Peterson as “wonderful at everything.” She was magnetic. She had the biggest heart and huge energy that just enveloped everybody. You just wanted to love her because she exuded so much love.

When the 1990 election brought electoral defeat, Marietta was once more undeterred in her pursuit of public service. She was named a judge in 1991. Once again, Speaker, it’s hard for us to remember what it was like, but Ontario had only had around 30 women appointed as provincial judges by 1990. Once again, Marietta excelled in the role, bringing her big heart and compassion to the halls of justice. Andy Rady, president of the London Criminal Lawyers’ Association noted that “she was enormously fair and she really cared about the people in front of her.” Her leadership skills also came to the fore once again as Marietta served as Associate Chief Justice and coordinator of justices of the peace.

But let me conclude by sharing a little known bit of Marietta Roberts’s history, Speaker. During her term in office as an MPP, she presented an award to a little girl who was growing up on a family farm in Elgin county. That little girl had never met a politician before, but thanks to Marietta Roberts, she grew up thinking of women in politics and public service as normal. And 33 years later, that little girl went on to get elected, and here I stand, because of the work of Marietta Roberts and the trail-blazing women like her who came before me.

Thank you, Marietta, for blazing those trails, for a lifetime of dedicated public service, for putting your energy and intellect and big heart into the service of your community and your province. May we who come behind you live up to your example.

It’s certainly an honour to speak on behalf of the Ontario Liberal caucus to pay tribute to Ms. Marietta Roberts this evening, the former Liberal MPP for Elgin and former Ontario court justice appointee.

Ms. Roberts was born in Yarmouth township, near Sparta, on January 9, 1943. She was raised on the Roberts family farm. She later received a BA from Western, a teaching certificate from the Ontario College of Education and a law degree from Dalhousie University. Ms. Roberts started her career as a teacher at Alma College, but steered by her Elgin county roots, she was able to use her intellect and innate kindness to effect change throughout her community and right across Ontario. Following her time as a teacher, she practised law in Elgin county with the firm of Gloin, Hall and Associates, including a stint as acting county crown attorney and as a founding member of the Ontario Child Representation Program.

Now, she lost her first two elections, one with the federal Liberals and one with Ontario Liberals, but she didn’t give up. She chose to run again in 1987. Her election victory in 1987 was monumental as residents of Elgin county put faith in Ms. Roberts, electing her to victory and washing away nearly 42 years of Tory blue in the riding of Elgin. More impressively, though, her victory also made her the first woman ever elected to Queen’s Park for the riding of Elgin.

Throughout her time at Queen’s Park, she served fiercely in Premier David Peterson’s government, serving as caucus chair and later as deputy government whip. She brought compassion to the halls of Queen’s Park, a trait that’s too often overlooked in this place and in this profession, Madam Speaker. I think that former Premier David Peterson put it perfectly when he said, “She had the biggest heart and huge energy that just enveloped everybody.” Peterson also said, “Everybody loved her. Her political adversaries liked her. Her friends liked her. She was a joy to be around.”

Following her defeat in the 1990 election, she was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in 1991 by the NDP government. She became an Associate Chief Justice and the coordinator of the justices of the peace from 1995 to 2001.

Ms. Roberts cared deeply about her community, and in her spare time was a philanthropist and great supporter of local museums. In reading the background that we were given, Madam Speaker, you knew immediately that she cared about her community, because in her spare time, which there must not have been much of, she was the director of the Elgin Conservation Foundation, the Talbot Estate Foundation and secretary of the East Elgin branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.

I’d like to thank the members of the family that are with us here today: Emily, Elena, Laurie, Adam, Mike, Scott, Hayden, Matthew, Victoria; family friend Darcelle Hall; and Lauren Scully from the Ontario Court of Justice. I’ve been told that other members of the family are watching live on television in St. Thomas and in areas right across the province. So to her entire family, to all of her friends, on behalf of Ontario Liberals, I’d like to thank you for sharing Marietta with us, and thank you for everything that she did for her community and for the province of Ontario.

Applause.

The member for Ottawa West–Nepean.

Thank you. I want to wish a very nice evening to all the family members and the friends who have joined us as we remember Ms. Marietta Roberts tonight. Thank you so much.

Today we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Mr. Gary Fox, who was the MPP for Prince Edward–Lennox-South–Hastings during the 36th Parliament.

Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery are Mr. Fox’s family and friends: His wife, Lynn Fox; his children, Kyle Fox and Lori Slik; his daughter-in-law, Tanya Swan-Fox; his son-in-law, Manson Slik; his grandchildren Nicholas Fox, Olivia Fox, Jackson Fox, Ethan Slik and Halla Slik; Paige Barr; Brendan Taylor; and Mandy Martin. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I also want to note that in the Speaker’s gallery is Mr. David Warner, Speaker during the 35th Parliament. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Applause.

It’s an incredible honour today to be able to pay tribute to Mr. Gary Fox on behalf of the official opposition. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but on reading the research, I found out that we travelled many of the same halls. As a former dairy farmer, I started farming when NAFTA and GATT were huge, huge issues. Many people stopped dairy farming because of NAFTA and GATT. He played a role in helping us.

He was on the board of directors of the federation of agriculture, as was I. I know how much work is involved in being in agriculture politics. He was on many more boards. I was on the board of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario; he was on many others. We know how much work is involved.

But I’d like to take a couple of quotes and take some license and perhaps expand on them: “Gary was a determined man with conviction. He could be a hard old county farmer on days, but most that knew him and loved him knew him as someone that just loved to visit and listen.” And I’d like to take the “hard old county farmer,” because one thing that farmers do on a daily basis—they deal with life and death. They make choices of which animal stays and which animal isn’t productive enough. And it’s not that they don’t love that animal; they love them all. It’s because they won’t be successful, but they have to make those decisions.

When we get here, sometimes those decisions—we seem hard. But we’re used to making them, and I think that that came across in that quote.

Mr. Fox suffered and fought cancer for five years, and farmers—I don’t think there’s anyone, because they deal with such hard things, who appreciates every day that the sun comes up that they get to be with their family, get to be on their farm, get to do the things they love. I don’t know anyone who appreciates that more.

The final one that I’d like to touch on—and I’m really going to take licence with this, so hopefully you will allow me to do so. We lost a good old country boy. I know what a good old country boy is, and I think it’s an incredible compliment, but many might not know.

I’m going to tell a version—I’m really dating myself—of a Little Johnny joke. Little Johnny is the country boy—my name is John, so I’ll use myself. It’s grade 1, and the teacher says, “A farmer has 10 sheep in a pen. There’s a hole in the fence, and one sheep goes through the hole. How many sheep does the farmer have?” Little Johnny has got this. Teacher reluctantly asks Little Johnny, and he says, “Teacher, the farmer has zero sheep.” Someone else put their hand up. City Susie says, “Teacher, 10 minus one equals nine.” And the teacher says, “That’s correct. Johnny, you don’t know math.” Johnny is a country boy; he’s polite. He thinks to himself, “Teacher, you don’t know sheep.” And that is the definition of a country boy.

To be that, “We lost a good old country boy”—I can’t think of a higher tribute to someone who has served this province, served agriculture, and who his family has shared with the rest of us to the benefit of all Ontarians.

On behalf of the Ontario Liberal caucus, I’m proud to pay tribute to Gary Fox, former MPP for Prince Edward–Lennox-South–Hastings, member in Mike Harris’s government from 1995 to 1999.

Mr. Fox graduated from the Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program at the University of Guelph and was a proud third-generation farmer and, as has just been pointed out, a good old country boy, dealing in beef, cash crop, dairy and sheep at the core of his operation. I’m not a farmer and I’m not a good old country boy, but I’ve had the honour of representing many of them for nearly 20 years. So when I heard that Mr. Fox was county chair and director of the Ontario Milk Marketing Board, served on the Ontario vegetable marketing board, was provincial director of the Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture and a founding member and vice-chairman of Agricultural Marketing for Eastern Ontario, that kind of blew me away. Farmers don’t have a lot of time on their hands, as I’m sure Mr. Vanthof would agree, and to participate in all those additional activities is really quite something. So Mr. Fox was a farmer by trade, but he dedicated his entire life to public service.

He began his political journey as a councillor on Sophiasburgh township council, later serving on Prince Edward county council as reeve of Sophiasburgh. With 20 years of municipal experience, Mr. Fox ran for the Tories in 1995 and joined the Common Sense Revolution to victory. He fought hard every day for the people of Prince Edward county here at Queen’s Park.

In addition to his immense experience in the agriculture sector, Mr. Fox was also a strong advocate for the environment. He was past chairman of the Prince Edward Region Conservation Authority and a founding member of the Prince Edward round table on the environment and the economy.

Sadly, Mr. Fox was diagnosed with cancer about five years ago, and he passed away this past December on the Fox family farm.

We’re joined here today at Queen’s Park by his wife, Lynn; his daughter Lori; his son Kyle; his grandchildren Nicholas, Olivia, Jackson, Ethan, Halla; his daughter-in-law Tanya; Paige Barr; Brendan Taylor; and Mandy Martin, his former constituency assistant. To all of you, thank you for sharing Mr. Fox with us and with the people of Ontario and the residents of Prince Edward county.