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Hon. Andrew Scheer (Regina—Qu'Appelle, CPC)

Oct/5/22 2:13:02 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to pay tribute to a long-standing member of the Speaker's team who has decided to take a well-deserved retirement from this institution. Becoming a bit of an institution herself, Heather Bradley has served five speakers as director of communications. We, and I, have benefited from her wisdom and expertise. MPs are elected as members of a political party and sit as a caucus. As such, each member has a tremendous amount of support when it comes to communications, but speakers leave those teams and can no longer count on that network, so the need to have an effective communications director is all the more important. Heather was an absolute joy to work with. Her extensive knowledge of the precinct, members and historical precedence was invaluable. Her ability to interact with journalists, and the trust she had built with all parties over the years, was essential in assisting the Speaker as part of a non-partisan office in the backdrop of a highly partisan environment. I could always count on her for excellent advice, from issues of the board to the modernization of disclosure. She was there for Parliament's big move out of Centre Block, and, of course, the tragic shooting that occurred there. She was always calm, thoughtful and rational, and had an impeccable track record of honesty and transparency. I would like to thank Heather for her many years of service to Parliament, supporting speakers dating back to 1994. I also would like to thank her husband, Mike, and her boys, Nick, Jake and Sam, for lending her to us. We are all the better for it. I wish her all the best in her retirement. Some hon. members: Hear, hear!

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Context: House Hansard - 108 - Oct/5/22

Mr. Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre, Lib.)

Oct/5/22 2:24:31 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a resident of my community of Ottawa—Centre who has been an invaluable resource to the House of Commons. That person is Heather Bradley, Director of Communications at the Office of the Speaker, who is leaving us after 28 years of service to begin her well-deserved retirement. Throughout her time on Parliament Hill, Heather Bradley has served five Speakers over 10 parliaments. She has seen it all. Despite the often hectic pace of the House, she has been calm, competent and always kind. Our success as parliamentarians depends on the quality of the staff who support us. Ms. Bradley was one of the best. I thank Heather for her service. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence and hundreds of grateful colleagues who will miss her.

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Context: House Hansard - 108 - Oct/5/22

Hon. Anthony Rota (Nipissing—Timiskaming, Lib.)

Oct/5/22 2:24:44 p.m.
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I would like to take a moment to add to the remarks of hon. members in recognition of Heather Bradley's upcoming retirement. In my role, I was privileged to receive advice from Heather, a consummate professional with the gift of wisdom, intelligence and tact. Heather has that singular gift of great leadership to steer one in the right direction without feeling pushed in any way. Under Heather's leadership, we also achieved greater transparency and efficiency in our communications. She helped Speakers of the House fulfill their roles more effectively and become more informed about parliamentary procedure and traditions. Heather almost always had the answers, and if not, she knew exactly who to talk to. Her contact list was amazing, a veritable who's who of Parliament Hill. We thank Heather for her decades of service. We hope that retirement brings her time to enjoy her beautiful family and many friends, as well as time to reflect on the legacy of excellence, kindness and everything else that she brought to this place. Some hon. members: Hear, hear!

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