Mr. Speaker, I also want to add my voice in acknowledging the cordiality in the chamber today. As well, I want to acknowledge the solidarity in recognizing the difficulty and the challenges that public life presents.
I want to thank the leader of Her Majesty's official opposition for taking up that mantle, for being in public service not only as the Leader of the Opposition but also as Speaker and the representative of Regina—Qu'Appelle. It is a big sacrifice, and the member and his family know that very well.
I want to also acknowledge what the Prime Minister alluded to, that being the idea that we not only represent and work for the benefit of people in our ridings but for the benefit of Canadians around the country.
I really enjoyed the sentiment and the spirit behind the idea that the member is doing this for a better future for his kids. I know that is true for the member and true for the Prime Minister, and hopefully one day it will be true for me too.
I want to take a moment to touch on what the leader of the third party mentioned.
Of course we have our differences of opinion, but what unites us is the idea of working for the common good. We may take different approaches, but I think we share the same desire to help ordinary people, change policies and resolve issues to help everyone. I know that is something that unites all of us.
I think that is something that we all share in this chamber.
It is a very difficult decision to take, and I want to acknowledge the hard work that the Leader of the Opposition has put in during all of his roles and the years of service that he has provided. We speak as a united voice in acknowledging that. I thank the member for his service.
I thank all members in the chamber for taking up that mantle. Today is a day to acknowledge the Leader of the Opposition and thank him for his service and his contribution to political life in Canada.