SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
February 22, 2024 09:00AM
  • Feb/22/24 10:20:00 a.m.

The House has reconvened, but since we were last here, two great Canadians have passed away. I had an opportunity to attend a celebration of life for both of them, so I want to talk about Ed Broadbent, and I want to talk about Daryl Kramp.

I had occasion to be at the Dominion-Chalmers centre with current and former elected officials to celebrate the life of Ed Broadbent. Many people don’t realize, but Ed won by 15 votes in a close three-way race in his hometown of Oshawa in 1968; went on to serve this country; led our party federally for 14 years; was a friend to people from all caucuses. It was wonderful to be in that room and to remember Ed as a human being. Ed was someone who believed Canada could be a place of opportunity for everyone.

I want to say, Speaker, politics is also full of surprises, because I found the same to be true of Daryl Kramp. Mr. Kramp was the chair of the government caucus for 2018 when we were both elected to this House, but he had served Canada in other capacities federally before that.

I had occasion in this building, after a very difficult debate in this House, to be up on the third floor where both of our offices were, hanging my head. Mr. Kramp came over, put his arm on my shoulder and said, “What’s wrong, Joel?” I said, “I’m having a hard time with the heat in this place.” He said, “Take the heat, and let it power you to work for your people.”

One of the things that was said at his celebration of life I take to the bank: “You can get a lot done in politics,” Daryl used to say, “if you don’t worry about taking credit.” Amen to that.

Rest in peace, Ed. Rest in peace, Daryl.

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  • Feb/22/24 10:20:00 a.m.

As was already mentioned in the House today, and as most of you know, we lost a great Canadian this month. Daryl Kramp was a member of this House in the last term. He was also a federal member for 11 years and a member of municipal council for two terms. It was Daryl who encouraged me to run and to seek this role as he was retiring.

Over the past many years, I’ve heard a particular phrase from Daryl many times in his speeches and in general conversation. It was a piece of advice that he gave to me, and I believe it was a mantra in his own life. He said, “Lead with your heart.” With the love of his life, Carol Ann, at his side—always at his side—Daryl led with his heart in his faith, in his love for his family and his community, and in absolutely everything he did.

A few minutes with Daryl and you knew he was genuine. A mutual friend once described him as “a man who you instinctively wanted to follow because of the warmth of his voice, and the twinkle in his eyes.” He worked to improve whatever he set his mind to, and he always worked well with all of those around him engaged. He achieved many great things for his beloved country, province and his home. I personally am better for having known him, for having learned from him, and I will miss him dearly.

On behalf of my wife, Heidi, myself and the people of Hastings–Lennox and Addington, I would like to express our greatest condolences to the entire Kramp family. Thank you so much for sharing Daryl with us for so many years.

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