1st Session, 42nd Parliament,
Volume 150, Issue 34
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
The Honourable George J. Furey, Speaker
Tributes
The Honourable David P. Smith, P.C., Q.C.
Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, today I also rise to thank our colleague and my friend Senator Smith.
Thank you, Senator Smith, for your contribution to our Senate Chamber and to our country over your many years of service. I also want to thank you for your friendship over the years.
Senator Smith and his most gracious wife Heather, former Chief Justice of Ontario, and his three children have unselfishly served our country for many years.
I have many stories I can also relate about Senator Smith and our relationship, but I will share just a few.
Senator Smith and I have had many heated discussions over the years, especially when he was the chair of numerous elections, but I can honestly tell you all that he always managed to make sure that we were still friends. This is the strength of Senator Smith.
David probably holds the number one title of being an election chair for many years, and when he was the election chair, he did an amazing job.
Senator Mercer can also vouch for the interesting and educational tools we received from Senator Smith when we went to Oxford University in England for Liberal International meetings. Senator Smith has an encyclopedic memory of all the different buildings and the history of Oxford University. One Sunday morning, I remember him dragging us all to church. We forgave him because he then bought us a great brunch.
Honourable senators, Senator Smith has always been first in inviting us all for a drink whenever there has been an opportunity, and he has always been very thoughtful to make sure I have my special drink.
David and Heather, I want to say “thank you” to both of you. You both, Senator Smith and Justice Smith, have demonstrated to us over your careers that there are many ways to serve our great country. You have both served with poise and humility, and your motivation was always the strengthening of our country. Your tireless work has had an impact upon our lives, and your unselfish service will always be remembered by us.
(1430)
Today, honourable senators, I want to take this opportunity to thank Senator Smith, and I specifically want to thank Senator Smith’s three children, Alexander, Kathleen and Laura, for sharing your dad with us.
Today we salute you and thank you for your service to our country.
Senator, you know that your presence will be truly missed in this chamber, but your hard work will be carried on for generations in our country. You have helped to make our country stronger, fairer and more resilient.
Now, Heather and David, time to enjoy your grandchild. We will miss you.