I rise today to pay tribute to a friend of the Legislature. Jan Westcott will be stepping away from his role as president and CEO of Spirits Canada at the end of the year.

Jan was here on Monday along with the Grain Farmers of Ontario. It was a wonderful event, as always. I know that members from all sides of the House are proud to support Spirits Canada.

Jan has been a champion for everyone involved in the grain-to-glass process, showing the importance of the spirits sector to our economy. Prior to these roles, he worked in advertising, the mining industry and government. Through the 1980s, he served as president of the Canadian Wine Institute. In 1989, he became the founding CEO of the Brewers of Ontario. He is a founding director of Smart Serve. He has served on the boards of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Earth Day Canada, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp., the Recycling Council of Ontario, and the Canada Safety Council.

Jan currently serves on the boards of the Empire Club of Canada, and he chairs the board of directors of Halton region Crime Stoppers.

Jan, it has always been a pleasure to raise a glass with you, so let’s raise one to your retirement. Cheers!

I just got a note from Barbara Stevens. I know she’s watching on TV. She’s really excited and hopes that the President of the Treasury Board gets a question today.