Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, after much deliberation will have to, I think grudgingly, support this motion.

---Laughter

Like so many other Members who come here for the first time after an election into this awe-inspiring building, it truly is a mysterious parliamentary process and I think David's been there for all of us, to help us in demystifying that and to make sure that we know a lot of this ends up being smoke and mirrors. If we truly in our hearts did what we thought was most important and best for our constituents, then the rules and the procedures and those things really would find their way and we'd find our way through that maze and he'd be there to help and guide us.

I know so many of us on this side of the House have been to David's office to consult on procedural advice, usually trying to find some way to ever so carefully stick it to the government, if that's a parliamentary phrase. I'm not sure, Mr. Speaker. I apologize if it isn't. David's always been there with procedural advice and always cautioned us that he'd be giving exactly the same advice to Cabinet on the matter should they be coming and knocking on his door. I've always respected that about David, Mr. Speaker.

I know that he's one of the longest-serving Clerks in the country. He's well regarded around the country. In other jurisdictions, people have a lot of respect for him and certainly appreciate his efforts over the years. There's clearly a lot of love for David in this room and in this building. He will be truly missed, but I suppose, Lisa, Judith and Kate, we're giving you your father and your husband back, but make sure that you allow him to come and visit. We've got a spot for him here. Thank you.

---Applause