Ceremony of Commemoration of Parliamentary Service

For those of us who have had the great privilege of sitting in Parliament, today is a very special day. In a sense, it is our first school reunion. I will be checking later to see if there is anyone else from the Class of '63 who is still alive!

In the past, when the portrait of a Speaker was unveiled in the Parliament Buildings, some MPs took pleasure in saying that they had "hung the Speaker." Now it is the Speaker's turn to hang the MPs and senators.

I commend Speaker Parent for his initiative to recognize Canada's parliamentarians.

When I think of the thousands of names on these plaques, I am reminded of the profound changes we have seen in our parliamentary democracy since Confederation.

Just consider, in the election for the first Canadian Parliament, the right to vote was limited to adult males with property -- about 15% of the population.

Voting rules were different in different provinces. Most provinces did not even have a secret ballot. The re-distribution of ridings was not always done in a fair manner. Voting sometimes took place over a period of weeks, or even months. Fraud was common.

It was not unusual for Members to hold a seat in both the House of Commons and a provincial legislature at the same time.

Today, Canada's electoral system is recognized as one of the most fair, efficient, peaceful and democratic systems in the world. In fact, it is seen as a model for many other countries. Elections Canada has been called on to help more than 70 countries with their own elections.

Our democratic system is not only changing, it is being constantly improved.

For example, it was only in the late 1950s that simultaneous interpretation first allowed parliamentarians to follow debates in both official languages.

It was only in the 1960s that governments began to routinely send bills and estimates to standing committees for detailed study.

It was only in the 1980s that the Speaker of the House of Commons was first elected in a secret ballot by all Members of Parliament.

The work of parliamentarians has become considerably more complex and demanding.

Simply getting elected is more demanding. In the early days, it was not at all unusual for men of standing in the community to be acclaimed in elections -- something that has become extremely rare in our time.

Until the 1930s, Parliament normally sat for only a few months in the spring. When parliamentarians came to Ottawa, they usually stayed until the end of the session.

Today, we recognize that parliamentary service is a full-time, year-round job.

These plaques also remind us of the changing face of the Canadian population. Because Parliament is a reflection of the Canadian people.

Parliament is more representative of Canada's changing ethnic diversity. But it was not always so.

For example, it was only in 1948 that Asian Canadians were granted full democratic rights in this country.

In this Parliament, I have been very proud to see the first Chinese-Canadian named to the Ministry, and the first aboriginal woman as well.

Among the names on these plaques, we also see those of the women who were the first to hold the positions of MP, Senator, cabinet minister, party leader, Speaker, and Prime Minister.

In the 35th Parliament, we see a record number of women in both the House and the Senate. And I am very proud of the fact that two-thirds of my Senate appointments have been women.

I have travelled to many foreign capitals during my political career, and I remain convinced that Canada's Parliament Buildings are as beautiful as any other seat of government in the world.

We want to encourage Canadians to visit their Parliament. And it gives me particular pleasure that so many young students come to visit Parliament on school trips, especially at this time of year.

I have a special message for young people who may be watching this ceremony today.

It's very easy to be cynical about politics. We live in a cynical age.

But there are not too many Canadians who have known more politicians than me. I have served with several thousand of them.

They have been men and women from all parts of Canada, and all political parties. The vast majority have been people of integrity and commitment, who came here to build a better Canada.

I have been proud to call them my friends. And I want to stress, they came from all parties, because no party has a monopoly on virtue.

When I first took my seat in this House 33 years ago, it was a magical moment for me.

It is just as exhilarating today.

This chamber is a special place, a place where the ideas of each generation are debated, a place where the direction of our great nation is shaped.

And so I say to young Canadians, if you don't like what you see here, come and change it. With hard work, any Canadian can take a seat in this House. You can make a difference.

I have always believed that politics is an honourable profession; my conviction has never changed.

When people examine these names, they may marvel at the service rendered by some parliamentarians:

Those great political war-horses Mackenzie Bowell and Chubby Power, each of whom had 50 years combined service in the House and the Senate;

Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who served 45 years in the House of Commons;

Those symbols of parliamentary democracy, John Diefenbaker and Stanley Knowles, each of whom were elected to serve in 13 different Parliaments.

But great records such as these in no way diminish the accomplishments of others who have served Canada in Parliament -- not even that of the unfortunate Douglas Cunnington, whose service in the House was for exactly one day!

Regardless of the duration of their time in office, each name on these plaques represents a servant of the people.

Some will say that this ceremony today is about politicians paying tribute to themselves. But I see it in another light. It is true that we are honouring individuals. But we are also honouring the importance of parliamentary service itself. And that is something worth recognizing.

Thank you.