Got back to Ottawa today for the end of QP, votes and committee. As we were about to rise from the House, Bill Graham came to his feet on a point of privilege, and it became immediately apparent he was to announce his departure – after having served as Liberal party leader, foreign minister, defence minister, and an immensely respected veteran Parliamentarian.
Despite his vast experience, composure and ease in speaking, he was unable to utter more than three words before emotion overtook him. He bowed his head a moment to regain composure, as every other MP in the place, from all parties, leapt up to give him an ovation. It was a moving moment, one which everyone in the place will remember, since Bill Graham is respected by all as a gentleman, a good friend, mentor and fierce opponent.
Here is what he had to say to a silent House. To view an MPtv video of Bill Graham’s farewell speech, go here.
Well, my notes tell me to say that it is with some regret and considerable emotion, but I think the emotion has betrayed me.
Mr. Speaker, I have advised you, sir, that I will be standing down as member of Parliament for Toronto Centre effective July 2nd. I don’t wish to take a lot of time in the house to share that notice with you, but I did want a chance to say thank you to my electors. The electors of Toronto Centre, known as Rosedale when I first ran, had perhaps the good sense to turn me down the first two times I ran, so I learned something about democracy.
They subsequently elected me five times. There would be members of this House who think they were right the first time; others who will think they were right the second.
That is what makes a great democracy, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank them for being able to represent one of the great ridings and diverse ridings of this country.
I’d like to thank my wife Cathy, my children, and my family and friends who have supported me. You all know we wouldn’t be here without that support.
I’d like to say a few words about the privilege of being elected to one of the best parliaments in the world. It’s an enormous privilege to sit in this House and it’s very difficult to think that I will no longer have access to this place that is so sacred to all of us and I’d like to thank the clerk and all of the staff because too often we do our work without acknowledge what they do for us here and at committee.
I had the opportunity as serving as your foreign minister and as your defence minister. And I could not leave this place without thanking the extraordinary efforts and thanking the representatives of our foreign service who do us so much proud as they work for us around the world tirelessly, selflessly; and I also could not step down without recognizing the privilege to have been the defence minister, and work with our young men and women in uniform who every day risk their lives for us, for their country and do it so well.
Prime minister, it is your privilege to call a by-election. People of my riding, I hope, will understand why I believe it is important that they be represented by a future voice rather than someone from the past. All parties in the House have representatives now nominated to run in that riding, and I would ask you, sir, that they should have the opportunity to be represented in this place as early as possible for the sake of our democracy and the sake of our future.
And in closing, colleagues, I just want to stay one thing about this place. And about the civility of this place.
There’s been a lot in the press recently about the lack of civility in the house. It may be attributed to the minority situation it’s in, it may be attributable to a lot of causes. But, colleagues, surely we owe it to ourselves to disagree without being disagreeable. We don’t need to do that.
I believe that everyone in this house carries within him or her the desire to serve our country and the capacity to affect the future lives of every citizen of this great land and, to some extent, others around the globe. So let us treat each other with the respect that thought brings. Let us respect one another and in so doing I believe that our fellow countrymen will respect this institution and respect us.
Thank you, colleagues.
44 comments ↓
A remarkable display of restraint and class in the House today from all parties, all leaders – even Harper.
Just watched the video of his comments regarding Graham’s retirement, and I’ll have to give credit where it is due. Not a single dig or shot. Did I just imagine all of that?
Didn’t Myron Thompson announce his retirement today as well?
It made me feel empty. We are losing dignity in the House, the country is at odds with each other.
We need to get back to respect and dignity.
I caught a few minutes of Myron Thompson (he doesn’t look well). He said he made friends on all sides of the House – and he just couldn’t stop there – he just had to say “even a few Liberals”.
There’s the difference right there. The old reformer hatred and partisanship (Thompson) and a man of great dignity and respect (Graham).
What have we got to look forward to?
Thanks for the memory:
Of things I can’t forget, journeys on a jet,
Our wond’rous week in Martinique and Vegas and roulette.
How lucky I was.
And thanks for the memory:
Of summers by the sea, dawn in Waikiki.
We had a pad in London but we didn’t stop for tea;
How cozy it was.
Now since our breakup I wake up
Alone on a gray morning-after.
I long for the sound of your laughter,
And then I see the laugh’s on me.
But, thanks for the memory:
Of every touch a thrill. I’ve been through the mill.
I’ve lived a lot and learned a lot, you loved me not and still;
I miss you so much.
Thanks for the memory:
Of how we used to jog even in a fog,
That barbecue in Malibu, away from all the smog -
How rainy it was.
Thanks for the memory:
Of letters I destroyed, books that we enjoyed,
Tonight the way things look, I need a book by Sigmund Freud -
How brainy he was.
Gone are those evenings on Broadway.
Together we’d go to a great show.
But now I begin with the Late Show,
And wish that you were watching, too.
I know it’s a fallacy:
That grown men never cry, baby, that’s a lie.
We had our bed of roses, but forgot that roses die.
And thank you so much.
Thanks Bill . You’ll me missed .
All the best .
Hunter Mars
Looking ahead … should PM Harper call an immediate byelection for Toronto Centre so that Bob Rae can enter the HoCs and assume a front bench seat close to Dion? I suppose he would have to also call byelections for all the other vacant seats. What are the chances of that now??
This would help balance out the Right-Left schism within the Liberal caucus, by giving more weight to the socialists with the presence of Bob Rae.
It would give Liberals a choice between lefty Rae, righty Ignatieff and centrist Goodale …. should Dion ever decide to abdicate. It would also shore up the “Dream Team” and make it more formidable in any next election.
It’s too bad we are losing one of our most respected statemen, but life goes on. Unfortunately most of the rest of the members aren’t up to the quality of this man but there is hope that will change.
A very good speech. Thank you for sharing it. He echoes my sentiment – that you can disagree without being disagreeable.
Yeah, check out CAlgary Grit for the remarkable display of restraint and class from the Liberal trolls regarding Myron.
He deserves the gratitude of all Canadians…he truly is “Honourable.” I salute him and wish him God speed. He leaves with his excellent character unblemished and leaves a void that is not easly filled.
I’ve just watched your video of Bill Graham’s farewell speech. Thanks for posting it! He is, indeed, a class act in every respect and will be missed.
Looking behind, I wonder if there will be a by election in Wild Rose, do you think they would be able to find another puppet to fill the seat in the House?
Yeah, check out CAlgary Grit for the remarkable display of restraint and class from the Liberal trolls regarding Myron.
By marym on 06.19.07 6:51 pm
Calgary ?
Provide a link .
It would give Liberals a choice between lefty Rae, righty Ignatieff and centrist Goodale …. should Dion ever decide to abdicate. It would also shore up the “Dream Team†and make it more formidable in any next election.
By Observer on 06.19.07 6:19 pm
Agreed . Labels make you more comfortable Ob.Lefty, righty etc.
Difference MaryM is that commentors on a blog are not MPs (i.e. ‘representatives of the people’).
Only see one comment that might possibly be considered ‘over the top’. Also noted a couple of right-wing comments about Graham in that same thread that could be considered out of line as well. But folks see what they want to see, eh?
Guess what, it’s called ‘free speech’.
Is there a ‘law’ or ‘rule’ about not saying anything bad about Myron Thompson. Whiel I can applaud Thompson’s efforts re: child porn, on other subjects Myron has said some very stupid and indefensible things in his time. Can’t recall Bill Graham doing ever doing that.
This is off the topic, but I put it here so all will have a much clearer view on the way all governments — left- or right-wing — work.
http://www.star-telegram.com/279/story/139036.html
To those MPs who stepped down today — enjoy retirement, as you have earned it!
Guess what, it’s called ‘free speech’.
Is there a ‘law’ or ‘rule’ about not saying anything bad about Myron Thompson. Whiel I can applaud Thompson’s efforts re: child porn, on other subjects Myron has said some very stupid and indefensible things in his time. Can’t recall Bill Graham doing ever doing that.
By Frank Frink on 06.19.07 7:16 pm
Yea, like
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We lost power today, just as Graham stood, so I thank you for the link.
We regained power for a while, so I could see the leaders of other parties speak.
I’ll say this, they all spoke to the man, including the PM. It was reverant and deserved.
To hear his last plea…”please be civil”, and to read some comments here, it’s quite apparent that this is not a possibility. How sad.
I wish Bill well and recall a couple of the discussions we had about the aboriginal issues of that day. I was always impressed by his candor and his willingness to listen and do what he could to put forward policies and resolutions that would help develop an even playing field for the poor and vulnerable.
All the best always to you and Cathy in your next big adventure.
Guess what, it’s called ‘free speech’.
Is there a ‘law’ or ‘rule’ about not saying anything bad about Myron Thompson. Whiel I can applaud Thompson’s efforts re: child porn, on other subjects Myron has said some very stupid and indefensible things in his time. Can’t recall Bill Graham doing ever doing that.
By Frank Frink on 06.19.07 7:16 pm
Yea, like Myron wanting to go homicidal on news reporters .
That is a fact .
By Hunter Mars on 06.19.07 7:28 pm
Graham: “Please be civil” .. now that’s a laugh ..LOL
On the night Dion won the leadership and was interviewed on TV, his very first statements were the very civil statements of “right wing, neocon, pro-Iraq, pro-Bush” attempting to define Harper … and he repeated that mantra for several months and in the HoC where he proclaimed that the Conservative values were “not Canadian values” …!!!
In retaliation, the CPC issued the “Dion is not a leader” videos with Ignatieff saying “We didn’t get it done!!”.. and Dryden crying “Why didn’t we do better?”.
Dion has never been “civil” in the HoCs and his behaviour in Question Period confirms that … and he was supposed to be an intellectual who would raise the level of political debate. I wonder who in the Liberal party convinced him to slag Harper non-stop .. so Canadians would not focus on his failures …??!!!
While I greatly admire Bill Graham, and his years of public service, he has earned his time to step down and let younger people shoulder both the burden and satisfaction of this crazy job.
And that’s why I’m not so sad that he is leaving. There are strong backs, bright brains, willing minds to take it all up. And they will learn and grow. Just as he once did (losing twice, but sticking with it).
As for Myron Thompson. He and I are ideologically miles apart on so many different issues that were I to find myself in his riding, there would be no way in hell I would vote for him.
But one tidbit I found interesting was that Mr. Thompson has dual citizenship. Canadian and American. As does his son, who fought in Iraq. Born in the US he became a Canadian citizen in ‘79 I think and then Mayor later that same year. Does one have to be a citizen to be a Mayor?
All the kerfuffle about Dion’s dual citizenship, and right there among their own is such a one. I do believe this is a couple of more. I will check.
Happy retirement to them both.
By Grammar Purist on 06.17.07 9:47 am
You are an DELETED.
Reread the entire thread of posts. It was a test you DELETED. You failed. And it took you this long to copy/paste a weak effort to…what exactly?
Bill is not a racist (besides, scientifically there is no such thing as race) or a bigot.
What the entire thing does show, is your utter lack of a sense of humour. Can’t you guys tell when two people are kidding? Obviously not.
Oh, and just checking…are you calling me an anti-semite? No, didn’t think so.
By Georgine on 06.17.07 4:14 pm
—————————————-
Georgine,
My post was also a test, and you failed. I was certain, that you of all people would recognize when someone is kidding. Unfortunately your sense of humour is selective.
I’m sure you agree that civil exchanges are preferable, now that Garth is enforcing his code of conduct.
Have a great evening,
GP
Georgine,
My post was also a test, and you failed. I was certain, that you of all people would recognize when someone is kidding. Unfortunately your sense of humour is selective.
I’m sure you agree that civil exchanges are preferable, now that Garth is enforcing his code of conduct.
Have a great evening,
GP
By Grammar Purist on 06.19.07 9:29 pm
Hmmm! Thought I heard some bleating .
Now if you stuck to your principles circa 2005-2006 Garth, we’d also have an election in Halton later this year too…
No we wouldn’t. If you have a problem with not being represented by a Conservative anymore, you know who to complain to: pm@pm.gc.ca. He decided I was no longer a Tory, not me. — Garth
I wish both Mr. Graham and Mr. Thompson many years of healthy, happy retirement. And the comment earlier about Mr. Thompson holding dual citizenship – ironic that so many blogging comments slammed Dion for having dual citizenship by right of birth to a mother of French descent. Mr. Thompson is dual with Canadian / American citizenshp by right of being born in the U.S. And no one ever seemed to find any ‘fault’ or concern about his loyalty. Perhaps the dual citizenship critics are just being selective of their targets – I believe that there should not be targets – if a Canadian citizen is elected by the Canadian electorate – it is a done deal. No one should ever question loyalty to this country by those who serve it – either by election or by serving in the Canadian military. Some of their choices are more difficult than the rest of us could ever know – personal politics aside. I wish both of them well.
Hmmm! Thought I heard some bleating .
By Hunter Mars on 06.19.07 9:35 pm
Lefty,
How long have you been listening with your eyes?
GP
Congratulations, Hopeless in Halton, you win the pool!
I’ve been waiting for hours to see which troll would use Graham’s request for a by-election to slag Garth. I was betting on Observer, but he seems to be trying to change his spots to stick around for something big.
By Grammar Purist on 06.19.07 9:29 pm
Very weak. A school yard “that’s what you say, well so do I” taunt. And days old besides.
The topic, if you need reminding, is “Class Act”, The retirement of the Honourable Bill Graham. Please join in or shut up.
ob said:On the night Dion won the leadership and was interviewed on TV, his very first statements were the very civil statements of “right wing, neocon, pro-Iraq, pro-Bush†attempting to define Harper … and he repeated that mantra for several months and in the HoC where he proclaimed that the Conservative values were “not Canadian values†…!!!
All true, maybe not the most civil in some circles, but to a word, all true, and repeated daily across Canada by many many people. So in fact Dion is speaking for the people of Canada in increasing numbers.
Geo
Graham elicits universal respect in a profession where most others fail to. His moniker of integrity, accountability, and class shine through partisanship and muck-raking.
Graham’s call for civility in this political barnyard will fall on deaf ears so long so these CPC zealots continue their charade of hollow popularism.
Adieu to the moral backbone of the hill.
I’m not going to say it. I’ll only jinx it.
Won’t I Garth, Sir?
Geo
Can somebody please tell me who Myron Thompson is?
I really have no idea how he fits into this conversation.
Thanks. I would really appreciate this inforation.
Herb, Conservatives have that 200 page book; I can’t even imagine what page they’re on these days. I guess I’ll just be guided by a Progressive Conservative/ Turned Liberal/Garth Turns heads when he walks into a Town Hall Meeting. We have Vellacott in Saskatoon. Go figure. We’re quite the losers here in Saskatchewan.
Most Saskatchewan residents live below the poverty line. I am one of those citizens that hopes for change will happen.
We’ve had a lot of Saskatchewan Party/Reformers/Alliance mixtures in the ’so called Saskatchewan Party’.
I can’t remember and because I’m not sure, I’d like to ask if any real Progressive Conservative remembers if Collin Thatcher was a convicted murderer? One other thing, what ever happened to our jailed Millgarrd who has recently been given quite a bit of money for serving quite a few years in jail for, I think, he was found innocent of murder, what happened to him and where is this Larry Fisher. Were the Conservatives in power in Saskatchewan at this time.
I sure hope one of Stockwell Day’s advocates could inform me.
If they say all the right things, I’ll vote Sask Party this go around. Otherwise, I’ll continue to vote NDP.
Hmmm! Thought I heard some bleating .
By Hunter Mars on 06.19.07 9:35 pm
Lefty,
How long have you been listening with your eyes?
GP
By Grammar Purist on 06.19.07 10:23 pm
Figure of speech ring a bell there Mr. linguistic genius ?
Guess you must have missed that class,hunh ?
Nothing to see here folks . Move along .
FYI it is called a Trope .
Irony is also lost on you .
All true, maybe not the most civil in some circles, but to a word, all true, and repeated daily across Canada by many many people. So in fact Dion is speaking for the people of Canada in increasing numbers.
Geo
Bears repeating, Geo. Even die-hard Conservatives (not PCs) are fed up with Harper and Flaherty. My husband is one of them (we cancel each other’s vote). We watched the senate hearings on the budget last night, and one witness (forget who) said that the portion on Income Trusts should be removed from the budget and reworked. If this can be done, there is still hope that the system works, and the damage done by H&F can be undone.
Myron Thompson is the M.P. from out west.
His son, an American, is fighting in Iraq ( or he was at the beginning of the Iraq invasion) He was determined that Canada should be sending soldiers to Iraq, too. He is a throw back to world war 2–
I believe he was born in the States. Not sure if he still retains his U.S. citizenship.
Glad Myron Thopson is gone. The guy never wanted Canada to be Canada. He’s an american with a son iserving in Iraq. Not only has the CPC cozyied upto Bush but they even have american republicans in the party.
This is the same guy that mused about 10 year olds being tried as adults. No great loss.
I believe he was born in the States. Not sure if he still retains his U.S. citizenship.
By Judy on 06.20.07 10:09 am
I have two daughters born in the U.S., since they were born of Canadian parents, they have Canadian citizenship and as they were born in the U.S., American citizenship. One was automatic, the second one we had to register in Canada. They would have to renounce one to lose it otherwise they hold both.
I believe he was born in the States. Not sure if he still retains his U.S. citizenship.
By Judy on 06.20.07 10:09 am
I have two daughters born in the U.S., since they were born of Canadian parents, they have Canadian citizenship and as they were born in the U.S., American citizenship. One was automatic, the second one we had to register in Canada. They would have to renounce one to lose it otherwise they hold both.
By pjw on 06.20.07 10:28 am
Yes,Myron started out life as an American .
He wears a ten gallon hat .
All hat no cattle .
Pushed a cruelty to animals bill through the house that I support .
Not sure if it has been adopted as law .
Maybe check the Hansard for that info .
Bears repeating, Geo. Even die-hard Conservatives (not PCs) are fed up with Harper and Flaherty. My husband is one of them (we cancel each other’s vote). We watched the senate hearings on the budget last night, and one witness (forget who) said that the portion on Income Trusts should be removed from the budget and reworked. If this can be done, there is still hope that the system works, and the damage done by H&F can be undone.
By Lana on 06.20.07 7:48 am
Hi Lana,
I watched the Senate Hearings this morning with the Premier MacDonald from NS and later with Calvert from Sask. along with their financial guys. Fascinating to listen to without all the rhetoric and general upset.
I do hope the senate seriously considers separating the IT portion from the rest of the budget. From what I understand it makes a mess of all sorts of other parts of financial sectors. Sort of a domino effect.
I think we are all going to be paying for this one way or another for a long time yet.
Geo
“Class Act”
Indeed…!
“Class Actâ€
Indeed…!
By westcoaster on 06.20.07 6:25 pm
You got that right .
I disagree. Graham’s been accused of
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Hello everyone,being a young person, I was too young to really remember much about his days as Defense and Foreign Affairs Minister.
But anyways, although I was outraged when Liberal Leader Paul Martin appointed him as Interim Leader (because I felt like Paul Martin was leading his pride get to him), I now see that Mr.Graham is and was a much better MP than i’d given him credit for.
Hopefully, the next 2-3 months off will give most of the MPs a chance to ‘cool off’ and start afresh with patience and civility… after all, it’d be terrible if all the partisan bickering continued after an amazing speech like that!
And by the way, I think we need more politicians who’ll take his advice that disagreeing doesn’t mean you have to be disagreeable!
Garth, if you don’t allow the truth to be put out. Why bother stating that this is a free speech blog?