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House Hansard - 167

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 9, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 167 - Mar/9/23
Hon. Erin O'Toole (Durham, CPC)
  • Mar/9/23 2:09:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, all members of the House depend on family to support us in our public service: our family at home and our political family here in Ottawa. It is with great sadness that I rise to talk about the passing of an important member of the Conservative political family. John MacDonell was an incredible volunteer and adviser. He was my chief of staff during the Conservative government, and for seven years, he was chief of staff to the hon. Peter MacKay, including during the Afghanistan war. We would have no modern Conservative Party but for John MacDonell's tireless work as the national councillor for Nova Scotia. A proud lawyer and graduate from Dalhousie University, he encouraged me to go to law school, and I worked under his tutelage for a summer at Stewart McKelvey. A bursary in his name is being established at Dalhousie University. I want to say that John will be missed. The pride of John's life was his son, Jack, who was the apple of his eye. We are sending Jack love from John's political family. A lawyer, a Tory and a patriot, John MacDonell will be missed. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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