Senator Manning: Just last week, during a state visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, which I had the pleasure to participate in along with Senator Ravalia, Senator Coyle, the Usher of the Black Rod and others, our Speaker once again represented our great country with the highest degree of competence and class. His work ethic, communication skills and strong adherence to moral and ethical principles were easily recognized by all the people we encountered during our visit.

I would like to take a moment to add a few personal comments. I knew of Senator Furey a long time before I arrived here in the Senate. The St. John’s law firm that he was part of was also my father’s law firm for many years. I had met the Speaker occasionally throughout that time period, but it was not until I arrived in Ottawa in 2006 as a member of the House of Commons that I had the opportunity to spend time in his company and learn some very valuable lessons along the way.

Now, some of you may be asking how a hardcore Liberal and a diehard Tory get along so well. Well, believe it or not, we have never allowed our political colours or our differences of opinions on certain government policies to come between our friendship: 99% of our chats are about our families, the history of our province and the hopes and dreams we both share for the place we are so fortunate to call our home.

Though there was one such morning when I thought that George was going to come over and join our blue team, but then I woke up from my sleep and realized that it was just a dream.

Mr. Speaker, I realize that the clock is ticking on your time with us. I wish I could move an amendment this afternoon to extend the age requirement that is causing you to leave us in a few weeks when you celebrate your seventy-fifth birthday, but that I cannot do.

What I can do, though, is to sincerely thank you for your steadfast representation and loyal service to the people of our home province of Newfoundland and Labrador and to the people of Canada, including all of us here who have had the privilege and honour to serve with you in the Senate of Canada. In your absence, the Senate will indeed be a different place, but I believe I speak for all of my Senate colleagues when I say you will definitely be missed.

On behalf of all my colleagues, I wish you and your lovely wife, Karen, a future full of great health and happiness as you enjoy the years ahead surrounded by your loving family.

On behalf of my wife, Sandra, and our family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a friendship we will cherish for as long as we live. Someone once said that a good friend knows all your stories while a best friend helps you create them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for helping me create some great ones along the way.