A tribute to my parents

Member's statements in the legislature, which are given just after question period, are an opportunity for MLAs like myself to make public comments. Yesterday, I chose to provide a tribute to my parents. The tribute follows. The photo above shows my parents and my son Charles who were visiting the legislature today.

"Mr. Speaker, in two days it will be November 11, Remembrance Day. Today I pay tribute to my parents. During the Second World War, my father served as a medical officer with the Reconisance Regiment of the British Army. He served in North Africa, in Italy and in Israel.

On one occasion, he was moved to the front to fill in where two medical officers had just been killed. While my father was on the front lines, my mother was working with children and helping them to deal with circumstances where air raids were occurring, planes were flying overhead and bombs were dropping. Her ability to tell stories to calm the children under her care was apparently legendary.

November 11 is a day to remember all those who fought to preserve the freedom and democracy we treasure so much. In paying tribute to my parents, I also honour all others who contributed to preserving and enhancing the democratic rights and freedoms we care so much about."