Prime Minister pays tribute to the late Emmett Hall:

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today paid tribute to the late Emmett Hall.

In his remarkable public career, Emmett Hall epitomized the values that Canadians cherish. I was saddened to learn of his death.

As a distinguished jurist, Justice Hall was highly regarded for his sense of fairness, common sense and compassion. He was asked repeatedly to arbitrate disputes and to review important public policy issues. He was called on to serve his country on many occasions, and he always delivered, for he was a proud and patriotic Canadian.

Canadians will be forever grateful for the pivotal role that he played in bringing universal medicare to Canada. Throughout his long life, he remained medicare's most eloquent defender.

The Prime Minister and Mrs. Chrétien extend their condolences to the family and friends of the late Emmett Hall.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555