Mike Dawson

“Judge Fred Ferguson has retired after a long career as a prosecutor and a judge. I want the House to wish him well in his retirement.”

“Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 16, in Miramichi, we honoured the retirement of Court of King’s Bench Justice Fred Ferguson, KC. Although born in Dalhousie, he has long been regarded as one of our own. After law school, he worked as a Crown prosecutor for three decades alongside colleagues Jack Walsh and Bill Morrissey. He prosecuted some of the most serious and widely noted criminal cases in the country. Appointed to the provincial court in 2003 and elevated to the King’s Bench in 2008, he is widely respected across Canada for his unmatched knowledge of the criminal law. He earned a reputation for being approachable by young lawyers and by all those who appeared before him. Colourful and courageous, and sometimes called “the oracle”, he is a devoted husband to Debbie and a proud father to Adam and Jess. I ask the House to extend its best wishes to Justice Fred Ferguson on a distinguished career and a well-deserved retirement.”

“I want to welcome former MP Tilly O'Neill Gordon back to Ottawa. I thank her for her service to our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for me to welcome back to Ottawa today a very special guest and a dear friend, the former member of Parliament for Miramichi, Tilly O’Neill Gordon. Before politics, Tilly spent her career as an elementary school teacher. We continue to learn from her today. Whether she is in the House or back home in our riding, she treats everyone with warmth, respect and kindness. Tilly is in Ottawa this week, reconnecting with colleagues and friends. She remains loved by her friends at home and here in Ottawa. On behalf of all members, especially those who had the pleasure of serving with her, welcome back, Tilly. I thank her for her service to Miramichi—Grand Lake and for always showing us what the real public service looks like to the people back home.”